Even though Republican Rick Santorum is set to be the first presidential candidate to complete “the full Grassley” tour of Iowa’s 99 counties, Governor Branstad doesn’t think highly of Santorum’s chances for another caucus win in February. Branstad weighed in on the current presidential field during a press conference on Monday.
“I congratulate him on doing that and he’s done that before,” said Branstad. “I’m not predicting he be the one to win this time because it’s a very competitive field and there are a lot of good candidates out there. But I think it’s good to get out and see the people of Iowa.”
The latest poll from Monmouth University was released earlier on Monday, showing Iowa Republican caucus-goers choose Donald Trump and Ben Carson over any other candidate, as both were tied at the top with 23 percent of the vote. Third place belonged to another political outsider, Carly Fiorina. Branstad said he understands why the three GOP contenders without political experience are favored among Iowans and others in the country.
“People are really tired of the mess we have in Washington,” said Branstad. “First of all, we have an $18 trillion national debt. Freedom is on retreat everywhere in the world. Farm exports are going to be down, the federal EPA seems to be conducting a war on renewable fuels. There’s good reason for people to be mad about Washington.”
Branstad noted Carson as a capable candidate who embodies anti-Washington values.
“He’s a surgeon, who had a phenomenal career as a doctor and has now offered his services to the nation,” said Branstad. “He’s somebody who had the courage to tell the president what he thought at the [National] Prayer Breakfast. But it’s still a long time until the Iowa Caucuses.”
The Republican governor also acknowledged that each election cycle and caucus season is different, and the 2016 round is no exception. He gave advice to the vast Republican field.
“What is the norm? It constantly changes,” said Branstad. “Things today are different because of what’s happened in social media. And every election is different. I was told a long time ago, ‘Don’t run your next election based on what’s happened in the past.’ I try to follow that advice and I’ve never lost.”
Branstad has said he will not endorse a presidential candidate before February 1st.
