Sioux City Journal

Nussle sticks with Rotary, skips Bush

Culver asks: 'Why would you run and hid from the leader of your party?'

By Todd Dorman Journal Des Moines Bureau | Posted: Thursday, October 26, 2006

DES MOINES -- President Bush and Republican candidate for governor Jim Nussle both will campaign in Des Moines today, just not in the same place.

Nussle is skipping Bush's campaign stop at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. Instead, the congressman from Manchester will speak to the Rotary Club of Des Moines and to the fall conference of the Health Care Financial Management Association.

Nussle's campaign insisted his tight schedule is to blame.

"We had a previous commitment that was made months ago," said Nussle's spokesperson Maria Comella. "We didn't want to back out."

Nussle's Democratic rival, Secretary of State Chet Culver of West Des Moines, wasn't buying it.

"Now, why would you run and hide from the leader of your party?" Culver said during a campaign stop at Iowa State University on Wednesday.

"In April he had a million-dollar fundraiser in Des Moines with President Bush. ... Suddenly now with 10 days left he's running and hiding," Culver said.

Bush is stopping in Des Moines to campaign for 3rd District Republican congressional candidate Jeff Lamberti. Nussle's running mate, Sioux City businessman Bob Vander Plaats, will attend the event on behalf of the campaign.

Bush is scheduled to speak at a noon-hour rally in the Varied Industries Building.

Steve Roberts, a Des Moines lawyer who is both a Republican National Committee member and a Rotarian, plans to attend Nussle's speech.

"Jim is honoring his commitment," Roberts said. "He supports the president."

A presidential visit these days can be a blessing and a curse. Bush remains a big fundraising draw among Republicans, but his sagging poll numbers also make him a big target for Democrats.

Some Republican candidates across the country have shied away from appearing with the president.

But they're also criticized if they don't show.

"That's his decision. I think that's very telling," Culver said.

Culver has tried throughout the campaign to tie Nussle to Bush with a string of TV ads arguing that Nussle has "gone Washington." During last weekend's final debate Culver asked Nussle whether he considers Bush a great president.

"He's a good president," Nussle said "He's done a good job. He's growing the economy. I think it's fantastic the things that he's done for Iowa, particularly in renewable energy."

Todd Dorman can be reached at (515) 243-0138 or at todd.dorman@lee.net

Story Comments

Someone wrote on Oct 26, 2006 12:32 PM:

" Who says he's hiding? How about he's keeping his commitments! And yet again another name calling response from the liberal side. Sad, sad, sad. "

DMS wrote on Oct 26, 2006 8:59 AM:

" There is the the big picture right there in two responses First facts were given by a republican second immediate name calling and no facts by a democrat Keep an eye on this one as it really shows the nature of the two parties I think it time for a third party to jump in and brake all the rules WORK FOR THE POEPLE and not for the buck "

zach wrote on Oct 26, 2006 8:43 AM:

" hey, chris, glad that the Dubuque Telegraph Herald and the Ft. Dodge Messenger both endorsed Nussle-Vander Plaats to run this state. Two newspapers in two very D rich parts of the state supporting Nussle for Gov. And before anyone says that Nussle should get Dubuque's endoresment, this is the first time in 50 years that they have endorsed a republican. They will take Jim's record, experience, and leadership over Chet Culver's promises, rhetoric, and big spending! "

Scott wrote on Oct 26, 2006 8:40 AM:

" Chris, you might want to get off your liberal blogs, the governors race is a dead heat. but voters will see thru chet culvers negative attacks, lack of plan, and his inability to speak and keep his facts straight. "

Anna wrote on Oct 26, 2006 8:39 AM:

" Chris, what polls are you looking at? Every poll that I have seen or heard about is showing the Governor's race a dead heat? If you tell me about any liberal polls or blogs, that is sad. You are just trying to suppress the vote over here in Western Iowa. Sorry, its not going to happen. At least the Nussle Vander Plaats campaign knows where Western Iowa is and not just stumble upon it one day or travel here because they need some press to appease people. "