Posted on June 24, 2010 by Tim Albrecht in On the Blogs
O.Kay Henderson – Branstad picks a running mate: Kim Reynolds
At 8:50 a.m. Terry Branstad’s campaign sent out a text message on the Branstad 2010 Twitter account, letting supporters who signed up for the Twitter alert that State Senator Kim Reynolds is his choice for a lieutenant governor/running mate. This keeps a string going.
A previous tweet sent a picture, showing the “stage” for today’s announcement. Branstad’s campaign will hold a news conference in a conference room at the Ankeny airport. The room is utilitarian, with a wood-like lectern at the south end. A blue and white Branstad sign is taped on the front, and a field of 12 signs have been taped on the wall behind to provide a photo back-drop, partially obscuring the window that is behind.
At exactly 9 a.m., Terry & Chris Branstad walked into the room, with Reynolds walking behind.
“Since our victory in the June primary, I’ve given a lot of thought and consideration as to who should join me on this journey,” Branstad said, adding there was “no shortage” of qualified Republicans for the post he’s now asking Reynolds to fill.
Branstad called Reynolds a “dynamic and dedicated public servsnt who shared my core values on the key issues.” Branstad said Reynolds has “a lot of enthusiasm and a track-record…Iowans will quickly learn important facts about Senator Kim Reynolds.”
She was Clarke County Treasurer for 14 years. In 2008, she was elected to the state senate, representing 7 counties in southern Iowa.
“She’s a team player,” Branstad said, “…an intelligent, up and coming new leader in Iowa.”
Reynolds began speaking, noting she saw a lot of “familiar faces” in the room. She called her selection an “unbelievable honor.”
She promised to be a “hard worker.”
“I give you my word that I will work day and night to make sure that you’re the next governor,” Reynold said to Branstad. “…I’m really humbled that you chose me. I will not let you down,”
