Governor Terry Brandstad released the following statement today after Senate Democrats walked out on budget negotiations:

“I am extremely disappointed the Senate Democrats made the decision to walk away from the negotiating table. Our office has been negotiating in good faith and believed progress was being made. I have no idea why Senate Democrats have chosen to abandon this critical work.

“I am here. I will continue to work with House and Senate Republicans. I will also work with any other legislators willing to put together a responsible budget and do the work Iowans sent us here to do.”

Check back for more on this evolving story..

We encourage you to call Democratic Senators, including Michael Gronstal, the Senate Majority Leader, whose contact information is listed below:

E-mail: mike.gronstal@legis.state.ia.us
Business Telephone: 515-281-4610

Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney will be making an appearance in Polk County on Friday, May 25th.

He will be speaking at the Des Moines Partnership’s Presidential Forum Series at Noon.

Location: Historical Building, 600 E. Locust Street, Des Moines, IA

Time: Noon

The Des Moines Register reported today that Herman Cain has announced his candidacy for the Republican nomination for the Presidency.

We will have more from Mr. Cain as news becomes available

Keynote Speaker

With rumours that Michele Bachmann intends to announce her candidacy for the Republican nomination for the Presidency at the event and the cancellation of the State Party dinner, tickets for the annual Robb Kelley Victory Club Dinner are selling briskly. 

At this point, tickets, however, do remain.  We encourage you to purchase your tickets for this event now in order to secure your seat for this potentially historic dinner.

You can purchase your tickets online by with the form to the right or call Darrell Kearney at (515) 280-6438.  You may also email Darrell at dkearney@polkgop.com

Reserve now for this very important event supporting the Polk County GOP – the only major Republican fundraising event of the spring.

You’re invited!

Meet Governor Pawlenty

 and hear more about his pro-growth economic agenda to stop out-of-control spending and get our country back on track.

Monday, May 23rd

11:30 AM

State of Iowa Historical Building

600 East Locust Street

Des Moines

RSVP: kkuhle@timpawlenty.com

*** No Cost to Attend, Please Invite Your Friends and Family***

Important Note:  The New York Times is reporting today that Governor Pawlenty will be formally announcing his entry into the race for the Republican nomination on Monday in Iowa. If that is true, this could be a historical event for this election cycle.

There will be two events on Monday May 16, 2011 featuring Republican Presidential Candidates:

Herman Cain

There will be a meet and greet with candidate at 5 pm on Monday

Place:  Smokey Row

Address:  1910 Cottage Grove, Des Moines

RSVP: Tina Goff

515-729-7539

Tina.Goff@HermanCain.com

Newt Gingrich

Newt will be sharing his vision of the future of America between 5:30 and 6:30 pm.

Place:  Embassy Suites Downtown

Address:  101 E. Locust Street, Des Moines, IA

Activity in anticipation of the Caucuses is picking up, and it is a great time to meet, greet and listen to the candidates.