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Candidates Sticking with Gov Race Despite Branstad

By Becky Ogann

Story Created: Oct 20, 2009 at 11:21 AM CST

Story Updated: Oct 20, 2009 at 11:21 AM CST

DES MOINES (AP) - If former Gov. Terry Branstad joins the field of Republicans seeking the nomination to run for governor, don't look for many other candidates to drop out.

Branstad was governor for 16 years and has strong name identification with Iowans, but most Republican candidates seem ready to compete with him.

Only Senate Minority Leader Paul McKinley, of Chariton, says he'll drop out if Branstad joins the race.

Branstad last week announced he'd retire as president of Des Moines University to focus on whether to seek the nomination to oppose Democratic Gov. Chet Culver.

Among those committed to staying in the race are Christian Fong, Christopher Rants, Rod Roberts and Bob Vander Plaats.

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