Talk radio host Steve Deace, an Iowa social conservative icon, announced his support for Sam Clovis yesterday in the Republican primary for U.S. Senate. Deace asserted that Clovis is “most prepared to actually govern” and pointed out that he “was the only candidate who publicly did everything he could to assist Iowa’s historic judicial retention election of 2010, which in our opinion is the most important election we’ve ever been a part of.” Furthermore, Deace noted that “those working and volunteering for Sam Clovis’ campaign are some of the most devoted patriots and principled conservatives we know in Iowa politics.”
I’m only surprised it took him so long to make up his mind. Deace considered Clovis, State Senator Joni Ernst, and former U.S. Attorney Matt Whitaker. You can read how each of those candidates responded to the radio host’s questions here, here, and here. Clovis sent the most detailed reply by far. Ernst was the only candidate who did not reply directly, but had her campaign consultant David Polyansky respond on her behalf. In a not very subtle swipe at Ernst, Deace urged conservatives not to let “the media” pick the Republican nominee and praised Clovis for being “willing to have a serious and substantive discussion about the future of the country,” in contrast to those who “just regurgitate talking points or get by on focus grouped catch phrases.”
Meanwhile, three-time Republican gubernatorial candidate Bob Vander Plaats endorsed Clovis this morning. I’ve posted the campaign’s press release after the jump. Vander Plaats told the Des Moines Register’s Jennifer Jacobs that Clovis has the courage of his convictions and is “most prepared to make a difference” in the U.S. Senate. It’s the very least Vander Plaats can do after his long flirtation with a Senate campaign kneecapped Clovis for many months. Who knows how many donors and volunteers stayed on the sidelines while Vander Plaats kept dropping hints that he might run for Senate, in what appears to have been a marketing strategy for his latest book. Clovis worked hard to support the campaign to oust three Iowa Supreme Court justices in 2010, and in return Vander Plaats gave him a gesture that’s likely too little and too late.
A number of right-wing groups have previously endorsed Clovis, including Citizens United, Phyllis Schlafly’s Eagle Forum, Tea Party Patriots, and the Gun Owners of America. But his campaign’s fundraising has been weak, and the latest FEC filing showed only $54,845 cash on hand as of March 31. In three weeks we’ll find out whether conservative activist energy can deliver for Clovis, in the absence of statewide direct mail and paid media.
Clovis for Senate press release, May 13:
VANDER PLAATS ENDORSES SAM CLOVIS FOR U.S. SENATE
Sioux City – Bob Vander Plaats today announced his endorsement of Sam Clovis for the U.S. Senate. “Sam has proven that he can go the distance not only across Iowa, but on the issues that are important in this race,” said Vander Plaats. “Sam Clovis knows that the family is important to Iowa and to the future of America. I will stand with Sam as he fights for these values in the U.S. Senate.”
“This is truly a great day,” said Sam Clovis. “In traveling from river to river, I have met and visited with many voters who feel that the family is being left out of the political equation. Bob Vander Plaats’ endorsement is a signal to the grassroots of Iowa that commitment to the family is key to a winning campaign. I am honored to have Bob’s endorsement.”
Sam Clovis is running for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Senator Tom Harkin. Harkin has announced that he will not seek re-election at the conclusion of this Congressional session.
“When visiting with Sam, I found him to be a man of faith and conviction,” said Vander Plaats. “These traits are essential to succeed in today’s world, and I am confident Sam will hold true to the time-tested values that strengthen families in the U.S. Senate.”
Sam Clovis holds a Masters in Business Administration in Management and a Doctorate in Public Administration. He is currently a tenured full professor at a private liberal arts college in northwest Iowa. He served in the United States Air Force for 25 years and still provides leadership to defense and homeland security institutions. He lives in Hinton, IA with his wife Charlotte and stepson Khan. More information on the candidate and his campaign may be obtained at www.samclovis.com.