Since former Governor Terry Branstad started campaigning for governor again, I've been hoping that Bob Vander Plaats could capture the attention of national right-wingers looking to "take back" the GOP from establishment types. Democratic incumbent Chet Culver would be much better off facing Vander Plaats in the general election.
Vander Plaats is campaigning as a more reliable conservative than Branstad. Among other things, he promises to bypass Iowa's constitutional amendment process, issuing an executive order on day one of his administration to halt same-sex marriage in Iowa until the public has had a chance to vote on the issue.
Self-styled constitutional expert David Barton is one of the few "scholars" who believes a governor can overturn a state Supreme Court ruling by executive order. This week he endorsed Vander Plaats.
"Bob Vander Plaats epitomizes the leadership our Founding Fathers envisioned when they stood up for our individual liberties," Barton said in a prepared statement. "He knows that it's the hard work and unfettered creative spirit of individuals made this country and states like Iowa great. He knows that more bureaucracies, more government employees, higher taxes and increased government spending will crush Iowa. And, he'll articulate that message in winning fashion."
Barton's endorsement may help Vander Plaats raise money from around the country as well as recruit volunteers in Iowa. Vander Plaats will particularly need financial support from out of state in order to compete with Branstad, who built relationships with many major donors and local activists during his four terms as governor.
Could Vander Plaats become the darling of wingnuts nationwide? Branstad is not a social moderate, but he has flip-flopped on some tax and budget-related issues in a way that won't impress the teabagger set.
