The battle for the heart and soul of the Republican Party has a new epicenter today and that epicenter is Iowa. Former four-term Governor Terry Branstad filed the necessary paper work to join the race for Governor in the Republican primary yesterday. To those watching things closely in T(change to t)he Hawkeye State like I have, this comes as no surprise. This has been rumored and talked about for several months.

From my knowledge of the situation in T(change to t)he Hawkeye State, former Governor Branstad is the favorite of the Establii (take out extra i)shment of the Iowa Republican Party. Before Brandstad's entry into the race for Governor there was one clear overwhelming favorite to win the GOP nomination, Bob Vander Plaats. There is only one reason why Branstad has entered the race for Governor and that is the establishment fears the true Conservative and voice of the people in the Hawkeye state?(should be .) Why else would they drag a former four-term Governor out of retirement?

Just as it is around the country (add ,) the same is true in Iowa. The corrupt, crony, country-club Establishment of the Republican Party has failed and our party and our nation is worse off for it. There are some in our party who have argued that in order to succeed as a party, we must make concessions to (add a space here and maybe the word the)"Mushy Middle." For a clear-cut example of what happens when we do that (add ,)take a good hard look at the 2008 elections. Our nominee and our party took it in the teeth. We failed to stand up for our Conservative values and principles. A big tent has big holes and if you won't stand for something (add ,) you'll fall for anything. The only resullt (take out extra l) of trying to be Democrat Lite is the election of more Democrats because the people will vote for "The (change to small t) real thing." When we stand strong on our principles, we win. When we back off of our principles for popularity (add a ,) we have our hats handed to us like in 1996, 2006, and 2008.

A new day is dawning in Iowa and all around our great Nation. New faces have emerged ready to lead with common-sense Conservatism and take us back towards the "Shining City on a Hill" that President Ronald Reagan spoke of. Leaders like: Marco Rubio in Florida, Chuck DeVore in California, Rex Rice in South Carolina, Michael Williams in Texas, and John Oxendine in Georgia. Iowa is blessed to have one of those new leaders in Bob Vander Plaats. Three weeks ago (add ,) it was my honor and pleasure to travel through the Hawkeye State and speak on Bob's behalf. I was familiar with Bob through his book Light From Lucas (underline or italicize book title)and his active role in Governor Mike Huckabee's run for President. As I listened to Bob speak, my feelings were confirmed that I had made the right choice. I was especially impressed with Bob's commitment to enabling the disabled. In fact it was that fact alone that has inspired Bob to run. Bob will stand strong for us in Iowa and make sure that we can get a hand up instead of depending on hand-outs tied to the Government ball-and-chain.

Bob Vander Plaats is a strong, principled Conservative. He will not be guided by political winds, what the polls say, or what political advisors (I think ers is preferred, but ors is ok here) tell him to think. Bob is Honest, Trustworthy, and Authentic.(I wouldn't capitalize these words, but maybe it is o.k. for emphasis - does anyone know?) When (take out When) Bob will stand up for what is right I know that he will not falter and will not back down. Bob wants a better Iowa and a better Nation that is not encumbered by growing debt, swelling in corruption, and without a moral compass. (This sentence is a little rough, maybe could be reworded)

Iowans have a clear choice in the Republican primary. Will they choose the moderate, backed by the Establishment and move backwards? Or will they choose the clear, Conservative choice with a new vision and new ideas? This battle for the heart and soul of our Party is being waged all over the country but the epicenter is Iowa, the state where the next Presidential cycle will begin. That is why I have placed the Iowa Governor's Race as our highest priority. We must not lose! I intend to do all I can to help Bob and to travel to The (change to small t) Hawkeye State as many times as I can and I hope you will join me! (maybe switch this around to, I intend to travel to the Hawkeye State as many times as I can and I hope you will join me in doing everything possible to help elect Bob Vander Plaats!)