“Well, two things are known about Vander Plaats. First, legislators and party leaders don’t think he’s paid the dues to even contemplate a run for governor, let alone do it twice. And second, his ego doesn’t let him “hit singles,” our source said, so he essentially ignores the first point. “The guy is a first pitch, swing-for-the-fence guy. And he’s ambitious. But is he the answer, or is he just the guy who keeps running for an office he’ll never realize?” Our source told us it appears to be the latter. However, there have begun some party rumblings that may appease both sides: have Vander Plaats run for Secretary of State. “He has name recognition and it could be the step he needs to take if he really wants to be governor someday. He won’t beat Nussle, and all we (Republicans) have is the foot guy (Des Moines podiatrist Chuck Allison) who can’t beat Mike Mauro for Secretary of State. Vander Plaats could. And this could be a win-win.” Whether Vander Plaats is even entertaining this option is up in the air. But, we’re told, if the money hasn’t come pouring in come late January, top party folks are going to put the heat on Vander Plaats to “do what’s best for the party,” which means not forcing Nussle to blow a bundle on a primary instead of what is shaping up to be a formidable battle with Culver.”

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