Any way you examine it, the Chet Culver vs. Terry Branstad matchup for Iowa governor is sure to be a classic.
The long-anticipated clash materialized last week when Branstad, the former four-term governor, emerged from a field of three candidates to win the Republican gubernatorial nomination and the right to challenge Culver in his quest for a second term as the state's chief executive.
Culver begins this campaign as the underdog. Results of a poll conducted by Public Policy Polling and released earlier this month (before Tuesday's primary) show Branstad with a 52-37 lead over Culver. Among important Independents, he leads 49-33.
Still, all the elements exist for a memorable battle of the titans certain to galvanize Iowans and pique the political interest of America. ...
Experienced veterans of the political trenches, both Culver and Branstad possess deep knowledge and understanding of high-profile campaigns for public office. Each is strong in personality, unafraid to mix it up and unaccustomed to losing. Both possess a record as governor for which they may take credit and for which they must answer questions and provide explanations and defenses. Each is loaded with money to spend. Expect a steady stream of movers and shakers of both parties to visit Iowa in support of the two candidates (with its first-in-the-nation presidential caucus status, it's already a favorite political destination).
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Finally, sprinkle in the fact this contest will play out against the backdrop of several evolving stories (Tea Party influence, dissatisfaction among some conservatives with Branstad, a couple of attorney general investigations, state of the economy and budget in Iowa) and the potential for surprises present in any big political campaign and this pot boils still more.
So brace yourselves, Iowans, for a wild ride over the next five months.
Sioux City Journal
