Impassioned Culver blazes back onto campaign trail

CEDAR RAPIDS — A tenure filled with natural disasters and an economic crisis has left little room on Iowa Gov. Chet Culver’s plate for campaign stops, and left local activists a bit overwhelmed by a constant stream of Republican talking points. But that, Culver promises, is about to change.

An energized and passionate Gov. Chet Culver has returned to the campaign trail, and left party activists wanting more (Photo by Lynda Waddington/The Iowa Independent).

“I can’t wait to get out on the [campaign] trail. I’m ready to tell my story instead of having other people telling it for me. We have a good story to tell. We are proud of our impressive record of the past three-and-a-half years,” Culver told those in attendance at a Linn County Democratic Hall of Fame Party dinner Saturday.

Culver touted the state’s record on stem cell research, marriage equality, renewable energy, disaster recovery, preschool and balancing the budget. And, with each issue, the record of his administration was compared to the promises being made by Republican gubernatorial candidates.

“[They are offering] the same old tired rhetoric, and Iowans are beyond that,” Culver said.

At the end of the speech, Culver built to a crescendo in order to be heard above a lengthy standing ovation.

“Let’s stand up. Let’s fight. … Let’s fight for working families. Let’s fight for women. Let’s fight for civil rights. … We will win on Nov. 2 because of your work. We will win because going backward is not an option,” he said.

The speech and the energy was just what the doctor ordered for local Democrats, said Bret Nilles, first vice-chairman of the Linn County Democratic Central Committee.

“The last time I recall seeing the governor speak with this much energy was the night before the 2006 election on the ped mall in Iowa City,” Nilles said. “There is a big difference between being the governor and leading, versus getting ready for a campaign. I was a little surprised with how forceful and aggressive it was, but we are getting close to the primary and, since he doesn’t have an opponent, all we’ve been hearing are the Republican candidates and their perspectives. I think the governor wanted to make sure the people of Iowa started to hear the facts and all that has been accomplished under his administration so far.”

Linn County Supervisor Linda Langston, who served as mistress of ceremonies for the event, agrees.

“I was able to see him be quite forceful in the aftermath of the floods, but his modulation at the Hall of Fame [party] was excellent,” she said. “It is about time we were telling the good stories about Iowa. We are in better shape than so many other states in the nation. We are a good progressive state in so many ways, yet sometimes we forget to tell our story and toot our horn.

“If he can bring that kind of focus and energy to the election trail, I think Democrats will be inspired and energized and that is just what we need this year.”

The reaction in Linn County is significant. Not only was the largest city in the county decimated by 2008 floods, but the county is home to many union members who remain disenchanted with Culver’s earlier veto of a collective bargaining bill. Most in attendance were expecting polite applause for the governor, and no one was predicting the level of warmth that was ultimately expressed by the local base.

Politically, however, Culver made the most of what he had to offer the base. He listed the number of dollars that have found their way into the county for recovery efforts, and pointed out that although he may not have delivered all the union members desired, his brief administration provided much more than what possible Republican opponent Terry Branstad provided during 16 years in Terrace Hill.

“It’s critical that individuals look at the facts,” said Cedar Rapids resident Jenifer Vick. “Under Gov. Culver, more than 57,000 children have access to quality and affordable health care, and 12,000 Iowa children how have access to quality preschool programs. Gov. Culver has been able to protect what Iowans value while maintaining a balanced budget during difficult economic times.”

Harvey Ross, a long-time party and Stonewall Democrats activist, was not only pleased by the “fervor” of Culver’s delivery, but thankful for the list of items he can now use himself while talking politics.

“I was really impressed with the concrete examples of where Iowa has done a better job than other states,” Ross said.

Alan Bohanan, chairman of the 2nd District Democratic Central Committee, was glad to see the Culver he witnessed in debates four years ago on display again.

“He has come a long way in being able to forcefully express himself, and I am very pleased, but not necessarily surprised,” Bohanan said. “I have watched him develop as a speaker, and his skills have come to match his intellect and values. I believe that he will effectively be able to speak and debate the eventual Republican candidate, and will will the election.”

Despite the shot in the arm, however, members of the local party understand that a lot of work remains to be done between now and November.

“It will be a challenging year, but the economy is coming back and with all the federal assistance for flood recovery coming into the state, I believe [Culver] is going to have a very positive message to talk about in October and November,” Nilles said.

Culver, who does not have a primary challenger, will face one of three Republican men who will appear on a June ballot. Branstad, who is widely considered the GOP front-runner for the race, served as Iowa governor from 1983 to 1999. Bob Vander Plaats, a western Iowa businessman, appears to be the preferred choice for social conservatives and holds the influential backing of former GOP presidential hopeful Mike Huckabee. State Rep. Rod Roberts of Carroll hasn’t received much media attention, but may find a niche with voters who find the other two primary choices undesirable.