Be The Poll — GOP Gov Primary

Several Republicans are exploring, contemplating, mulling and considering the prospect of running for governor. They think Democratic Gov. Chet Culver may be vulnerable and they’d like a shot knocking him off.

Bob Vander Plaats is already in. State Rep. Christopher Rants formally created a campaign committee today.

Several others are thinking it over, including state U.S. Rep. Steve King of Kiron, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey, Rep. Rod Roberts from Carroll, former Senate President Jeff Lamberti of Ankeny, state Sen. Jerry Behn of Boone, Iowa Machine Shed restaurateur Mike Whalen and University of Dubuque President Jeffrey Bullock.

It’s early. The June 2010 primary is still a ways off. Anything can happen.

But who cares? Let’s have a fake vote now, just for fun.

Rants Tweets In

State Rep. Christopher Rants, R-Sioux City has apparently tweeted himself into the race for governor. Or at least he’s filling papers to form an exploratory committee.

The news has taken the Internets by storm:

O. Kay Henderson says “Rants is In,” and she has updates from his appearance this morning on Iowa Press.

Iowa Independent has text of the fateful Rants Twitter tweet we’ve all been waiting for:

Todays to do list: 1 File exploratory committee papers 2 Tape IA Press 3 Hit the road & continue listening to Iowans kitchen table concerns

Kitchen table concerns. Finally, a candidate who cares that I left the house again without taking meat out the deep freeze to thaw. Wife’s going to kill me. Can the state help?

Covering Iowa Politics and The Register are on the story. The Iowa Republican has coverage, as well.

As I’ve said before, I think anyone who underestimates Rants is making a mistake. He’s smart and driven. And he could be formidable if he succeeds in his effort to build a connection with both social conservatives and Republicans who care more about tax and budget issues.

Bob Vander Plaats, the only other candidate who has jumped in, must think Rants has a chance on the right. Otherwise he wouldn’t have delievered that broadside earlier this week on the gay marriage/executive order issue.

Now it’s a race. It’s going to be pretty interesting, and probably more crowded before it’s over.