RPI Chair Election
Nathan Greene
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The worst kept secret in town is that the Republican Party of Iowa will have a new Chairman by the close of business Saturday when the State Central Committee meets in Des Moines this weekend.
Ray Hoffmann, the current Chairman, is rumored to be resigning or retiring from his position. Hoffmann has served on the State Central Committee for a number of years and is in the middle of his second two year term as Chairman. Astute observers have noticed that Hoffmann has had limited presence during the media frenzy of the Iowa Straw Poll and Caucuses and think that it was an indication that he has either has checked out or on his way out as Chairman.
To my knowledge there are three active candidates running to fulfill the time remaining on Hoffmann’s term: Ted Sporer, Dave Jamison, and Stew Iverson.
Ted Sporer is currently the Chairman of the Polk County Republican Party, Iowa’s largest county. He also has been a fixture on the State Central Committee for a number of years which can be a seen as a weakness or strength. Sporer is like a like a fly who has been locked in a dark closet deprived of light, and the media is his bug zapper. Sporer is always willing to zing a Democrat, which always makes him a good interview.
Sporer’s chances of being elected: Slim
Dave Jamison is the Treasurer of Story County. Jamison has served on the State Central Committee, and also heads an organization of county elected officials. Jamison resigned for the State Central Committee this past summer and has been replaced with fellow Story County resident, Matt Randall. On a personal note I find it hard to believe that the State Central Committee would elect Jamison chair after resigning just a few months ago. It just doesn’t make any sense to me.
Jamison’s chances of being elected: Poor
Stew Iverson is the former Majority Leader of the Iowa State Senate. After the 2004 elections the Control of the State Senate was split 25-25. He was ousted as Republican Leader in the fall of 2006 and replaced by Mary Lundby. The Lundby led Senate lost 5 additional seats giving the Democrats a 30 to 20 advantage in the Senate.
Iverson is normally seen as a victim. While he is not perfect, he does know how the legislature works, and how to raise money. He is also someone who would probably add instant credibility if elected.
Iverson’s chances of being elected: Good
While it is easy to focus on who the next chair could be, I’m actually more interested in discussing what skill sets the above candidates can bring to the State Party. Sporer brings a boxer’s mentality who wants to go in to battle with the Democrats. Jamison brings a focus to the county level elections which some think our party is lacking, and Iverson brings knowledge of legislative issues and personalities, as well as some ties to the fundraising community. By the end of the day I think he has the votes needed.
The other question that deserves some thought is what other changes will the new Chairman make at the Party?
Looking for other views on this subject? Check out Grant Young or Don McDowell.
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