'This is Not the Ron Paul Party of Iowa': Split Vote Re-Elects Ron Paul Supporter as Iowa GOP State Party Chairman
Iowa Republicans have re-elected A.J. Spiker as its party chairman. The selection of the at-time polarizing chairman highlights the divide within the Iowa Republican party.
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In a split vote, Iowa Republicans have re-elected a Ron Paul supporter as its state party chairman.
A.J. Spiker received 13 votes to remain Iowa GOP state party chairman to five votes for challenger Bill Schickel, the party’s co-chairman, the Des Moines Register reports.
Spiker, of Ames, was the state vice-chairman for Ron Paul's presidential campaign. He resigned when he was selected in early 2012 to replace Matt Strawn, who stepped down as party chairman following an embarrassing caucus night for the Iowa GOP.
The selection process highlights the divide within Iowa's Republican party, which mustered strong support for outsider candidates in the last Iowa Caucus, such as libertarian leaning Ron Paul and Christian conservative Rick Santorum. Santorum won the Iowa Caucus narrowly over eventual nominee Mitt Romney, while Paul came in a respectable third place.
Des Moines Register reporter Jennifer Jacobs tweeted from the GOP meeting, "Santorum backer Jamie Johnson pleads w/ fellow board members to pick a non-Paul co-chair as a sign "this is not the Ron Paul Party of Iowa."
Spiker has had a few controversies already in his time as chairman.
For example, he opposed Iowa's Republican Governor, Terry Branstad, over the Iowa Straw Poll. Branstad said it may be time to discontinue the event while Spiker is defending it.
He also urged Iowa Republican congressmen Steve King and Tom Latham to vote against legislation to avoid the so-called fiscal cliff, and he urged voters to oust David Wiggins, a judge who was part of the Iowa Supreme Court ruling that legalized gay marriage in Iowa.
James
1:05 pm on Sunday, January 6, 2013
New name since the invasion of RP peeps GOP = Gang of Pest The Republican Party of Iowa no longer represents that of the National Republican Party. Even though I now understand these RP peeps, I can understand and respect there cause. however the sad thing now. Don't expect Iowa to be a first in the Nation Caucus, nor a battle ground State. It gone Dem consistently now. And with these these top heads not supporting the Republicans Party at the National level, Iowa has moved themselves out of importance. Glad I'm now an Independent just as most of those RP peeps are that have taken over the Iowa Republican Party. The y just register Republican to stay relevant since there Libertarian Party could never gain ground. Iowa GOP is a Joke, this is why the Dems have such a strong ground game and Huge Presence in Iowa. because there are united as one party, from the bottom to the top.
Liberty13
10:10 pm on Sunday, January 6, 2013
The Iowa GOP may not be the Ron Paul party, but it appears my fellow Iowa citizens believe strongly in the old republican ideas of Thomas Jefferson. You know things like small government, peace and commerce with all nations, honest money and a reverence for personal liberty.
maxine weimer
7:57 am on Wednesday, March 6, 2013
I agree Liberty 13! If only we can bring back those great qualities and get this country beleiving in what we stand for once again........
Juan
9:48 pm on Monday, January 7, 2013
Ron Pauls message is the real story hear. As he would say spreading the seed of liberty. WINNING.
This is not the ron paul party of iowa.. perhaps. but it could be the beginning of the changing of the guard in the republican party, at least in iowa...winning.
RB
9:11 pm on Wednesday, March 27, 2013
With current polls showing OVER 60 percent disatisfied with BOTH parties and the approval rating of congress only 15 %
...................................................................................................................................
NOW is the time to defeat them BOTH.
RB
9:15 pm on Wednesday, March 27, 2013
http://www.constitutionparty.com/ ....America's THIRD largest political party soon could be jhe largest!
Not "as is " but what we make it!
maxine weimer
12:17 am on Thursday, March 28, 2013
Cheers to the "Constitution Party!" Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness for all.
RB
8:18 am on Thursday, March 28, 2013
Not "AS IS " ,,,,,,,,,, NOT "as is" ... but how we could make it! http://www.constitutionparty.com/ ...........
RB
8:25 am on Thursday, March 28, 2013
The "Constitution Party" .................. IS ............... already established in nearly ALL states. It would be easier to improve it than too .... start from scratch.
RB
8:26 am on Thursday, March 28, 2013
to .... not ... too