Culver Guarantees Victory Over Branstad

By Rod Boshart

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By Becky Ogann

Story Created: Sep 8, 2010 at 10:03 AM CST

Story Updated: Sep 8, 2010 at 10:26 AM CST

DES MOINES, Iowa – Democratic Gov. Chet Culver on Wednesday guaranteed he will win in his Nov. 2 election matchup with former Republican Gov. Terry Branstad.

Culver said he trusts that Iowa voters will see through the “swift-boat tactics” Branstad’s campaign is using in a new TV ad campaign that attacks Culver’s infrastructure bonding plan and choose the current course his administration has taken in producing economic results during a time of national recession rather than returning to Branstad’s approach of the ‘80s and ‘90s.

The current governor said Branstad apparently “was for bonding before he was against it” because he borrowed $3 billion in short-term bonds to pay the state’s bills during the years of budget woes when Branstad was governor from 1983 to 1999. Overall, Culver said Branstad’s administration borrowed $4.3 billion to various purposes while he previously served as Iowa’s governor.

“Let’s just let this thing play out,” said Culver. “This election has a long, long way to go and we’re going to work tirelessly to make the choice crystal clear on Nov. 2.”

Culver said he continues to meet his fundraising goals in garnering over $8 million in contributions this election cycle from Iowans who support his administration’s current course. Despite trends that point to a down mid-term election from some Democrats, Culver said he believes he will be Iowans’ choice when they stack up his mainstream positions with what he described as Branstad’s “extreme” views.

“I can guarantee you one thing, we’re going to win on Nov. 2,” he told reporters today. “We are going to take our case to the people. We’re not going to pay attention to the pollsters or the pundits. We’re proud of our record and we have great faith in the electorate. We’re going to take our case to the people one voter at a time, and if the other side wants to start popping champagne bottles that’s their choice.”

Branstad’s campaign was not immediately available for comment.

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