A profusion of Republican presidential contenders is coming up against a shortage of available political operatives in Iowa, leaving some unsure that there is enough campaign talent to go around,
the National Journal reported.
Republicans in Iowa saw Gov. Terry Branstad re-elected, Joni Ernst capture the Senate, and their party pick up three out of the state's four House seats in the midterm elections. Many of the operatives involved in these winning campaigns are now working for the lawmakers they helped elect, the Journal reported.
Other top campaign managers are making good money working at advocacy groups, consulting firms, and on corporate boards. The talent pool is further limited by presidential candidates who pounce early to build their local organizations, according to the Journal.
Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker signed up Texan David Polyansky, a former Ernst strategist, to lead his campaign in the state. He also brought on Eric Woolson, of West Des Moines, as his communications director in the state,
The Des Moines Register.
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie appointed two available former Branstad aides to his campaign. Texas Sen. Ted Cruz brought on Bryan English this month. Former Texas Gov. Rick Perry hired Jamie Johnson away from a Christian charity group, the Journal reported.
"We've all just kind of been gritting our teeth and saying 'no' to campaigns who've called," Johnson told the Journal. "But Gov. Perry gave me an offer I couldn't refuse."
Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul hired loyalist A.J. Spiker, a former Iowa Republican Party chairman, back in March 2014.
At least one senior operative is not available for local work because he is moving on. David Kochel is expected to be appointed former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush's national campaign manager, the Journal reported.
The date of the Iowa precinct caucuses has not yet been set but would likely take place around Jan. 18, 2016, according to the
Frontloading HQ blog.
© 2024 Newsmax. All rights reserved.