Branstad sets ambitious goals in governor's race
Republican governor candidate Terry Branstad, 63, was introduced to a crowd at Southern Hills Winery in Osceola as the 39th and 41st governor of Iowa.
While this introduction might be premature, the audience, many of whom said that Branstad was their choice candidate for the 2010 election, began to clap wildly.
The former governor led Iowa from 1983 to 1999. Branstad hopes to gain the Republican nomination again in the June primaries this year and came to Osceola Feb. 10 to express his ideas on how to move Iowa forward.
Branstad is currently up against Republicans Bob Vander Plaats and Christopher Rants for the nomination.
"I've been on the ballot before, but I've never had people thank me for running for office like they have in this campaign," Branstad said, "and I think it's because people see we've got a governor who doesn't have the knowledge or experience and or is willing to work as hard we need to get things done that need to get done for the future of the state."
Most of Branstad's speech focused on how Iowa can crawl out of its nearly $1 billion deficit.
Goals
Branstad said he wants to set ambitious goals for what he wants to accomplish for the state if elected.
The first issue he addressed was to create 200,000 new jobs in Iowa in the next five years.
"I think that can be done because when I came in, in 1983, we had 8.5 percent unemployment in Iowa and were at the beginning of the farm crisis," Branstad said. "When I left office in 1999, we had driven the unemployment rate from 8.5 to 2.5 percent and we had a record number of people working."
However, he later said the unemployment rate now isn't as high as when he took office in 1983.
Branstad also wants to focus on keeping college graduates in the state.
"I'm going to visit every college and university because I want young people that are going to college in Iowa to know that we not only want them to get a great quality education, but we want them to have an opportunity for good jobs in Iowa once they complete their education," he said.
The audience erupted in applause at the mention of this goal.
He added that as governor, he would like to get a 25 percent increase in family incomes over the next five years and cut the size of government by at least 15 percent.
To cut spending, he said he's not afraid to make the "tough" decisions.
"I know the problems we're facing today are severe because Culver and the Democratic legislature mismanaged things, overspent and did not listen to the concerns of the state auditor," he said. "As a result of not listening, we've got big problems, and they aren't going to be solved overnight. It's probably going to take us three or four years, but I'm confident that by working together, we can get the job done."
Branstad criticized Gov. Culver's across-the-board budget cuts and said this tactic generally doesn't work. He said priorities need to be set in achievement in education, and conservative spending and fiscal responsibility.
Same-sex marriage
Branstad said it is a "tragedy" that Iowans aren't able to vote on the same-sex marriage issue. He said he supports marriage between one man and one woman only, which was why he signed the Defense of Marriage Act in 1998.
"The arrogance of the leaders that say we're not going to let the people vote on an issue of this magnitude is wrong and goes against Iowa's sense of fairness," he said. "And if they insist on that attitude, then we ought to replace them with people who will be more responsive to the people."
Branstad continued by saying 31 states have protected traditional one man, one woman marriage by a vote of the people.
"We ought to be given that opportunity to vote in Iowa," he said.
Community's thoughts
Branstad also addressed the audience's concerns about high taxes, barriers to economic development, what more casinos in Iowa would mean for existing ones and the need for efficient, low-cost and "green" energy.
Osceola resident Bill Freeman asked if adding more casinos in Iowa could be a detriment rather than a benefit to the state.
Branstad said he has "real misgivings" about adding casinos.
"I don't think we need more gambling in Iowa," he said. "I think it would be a mistake to add more. Already there's financial problems for the existing facilities, and if you get more competition, you're going to have more problems."
After the candidate's speech, many audience members said they were impressed and hopeful Branstad would lead Iowa once again.
"He's what we need back in Iowa," said Luke Druivenga of Osceola.
"I thought he was excellent," said Osceola resident Noel Friday. "I'd be surprised if he didn't win."
Elizabeth Simpson of Clarke County Development Corporation wrapped up the evening.
"I don't know about you, but I'm excited about this next governor's race," she said. "I think it's time for people to stand up and start to talk about what they're passionate about and what they want to see happen in our government."
