x
Breaking News
More () »

Iowa GOP leader stresses unity to preserve first-in-the-nation status

“If Iowa loses first-in-the-nation, we become fly-over country,” warned Iowa Republican Chairman Jeff Kaufmann, one week before the Republican Natio...

DAVENPORT, Iowa -

Iowa's top Republican says his number one goal is to save the Hawkeye state's status for picking presidential candidates.

That's as the GOP gets together in Cleveland next week for its national convention.

Even after a record 186,000 Iowa Republicans turned out to caucus, there's concern about the future.

"If Iowa loses first-in-the-nation, we become fly-over country," said Iowa Republican Chairman Jeff Kaufmann.

Kaufmann knows all about high stakes at the convention.

Iowa's political standing depends on national support from delegates.

"That weighs heavily on my mind," he said.

Iowa Republicans are preparing to defend its first-in-the-nation status.

The convention's Rules Committee expects to look at rotating Iowa with other states.

"The Iowa delegation needs to put on a good, professional, united front," he continued.

While the campaign brought a long list of contenders through Iowa, delegates are preparing to stand together.

"It's very, very important we bound our delegates," he said.  "Donald Trump will receive all of the Iowa votes."

Trump actually finished second to Sen. Ted Cruz at the Iowa Caucuses.

But to preserve the state's national political standing, Kaufmann says this isn't time for a last-minute switch to another candidate.

"I can assure you that those folks are not going to have any grounding," he said.  "The Iowa delegation will be unanimous for Donald Trump."

All of this strategy is crucial as Iowa battles to keep its place in presidential politics.

"I believe we can make our case very calmly," he concluded.  "I feel very confident right now."

 

Before You Leave, Check This Out