Rants takes step toward running for Iowa governor

[Peacetrain]

JOHNSTON, Iowa (AP) - Sioux City Republican Rep. Christopher Rants says he's forming an exploratory committee, laying the foundation for a run at the GOP nomination for governor.

Rants says there's no timetable for a formal announcement of his candidacy, but he argues Democratic Gov. Chet Culver is vulnerable because of Iowa's financial problems and state spending he calls out of control.

Rants joins Republican Sioux City businessman Bob Vander Plaats in forming exploratory committees, the first step in seeking the party's nomination. The primary election will be held next June.

Speaking Friday on public television's "Iowa Press," Rants says he traveled throughout the state this spring and is convinced voters are ready to listen to the Republican message.

[rurallib]

1. I asked a local rep(D) if he ever hears about the state budget

he said almost never. What he hears is "jobs, jobs, jobs, health care health care, health care, education, education, education." He said people are really scared of losing their job, or not getting a job. They are scared to death that one illness will bankrupt them, even if they have insurance. And will their kids have a chance to go to college and get a good job?
He said the only time he hears about the budget is from some guy whose lines sound rehearsed.
He even asked me if I thought the Republicans at the open forums sounded like even they understood the budget. I had to tell him that when they would start talking budget their numbers would kind of roll into a ball and bounce all over.
ETA - he also never hears about gay marriage either.
Let me say he goes out on weekends and knocks doors and asks real people what their concerns are.

I hope to be able to ask Rants about that trip to Myrtle Beach he took with the car registration lenders. The Monday after that trip the bill reigning those folks in disappeared from the calendar with no explanation. When asked about it Rants claimed they were friends and there was no funny biz.

[Peacetrain]

2. My theory is Vanderplatts is actually making a move for lt gov.

That is a nightmare scenario..Rants/Vanderplatts.

[rurallib]

3. didn't he run with the Nuss-hole?

[Debi]

4. Yup.

Worked out well, didn't it?!