Democrat wins Iowa for first time in 30 years
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Tom Vilsack
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(AllPolitics, November 3) -- Democrat Tom Vilsack became the first Democrat in more than 30 years to win Iowa's governor race by defeating his GOP challenger, Jim Ross Lightfoot.
The win was one of the more remarkable developments from Tuesday's vote. Iowa is traditionally a Republican stomping ground. Republican Gov. Terry Branstad, who stepped down this year after a record five terms, had served the state since 1978.
Iowa had not seen a Democrat in the governor's office since 1962.
Republican Lightfoot was favored early on because of his extensive campaign experience and unified party support. The GOP had been on a roll in this politically conservative state, holding both houses of the state Legislature and holding four of the state's five congressional seats.
But Democrat Vilsack surged in the polls in the final days of the campaign. The former state senator and former mayor of Mount Pleasant focused on the theme of school improvement and also called for improved health care.
The AFL-CIO supported Vilsack enthusiastically, and Sen. Tom Harkin helped bankroll TV ads attacking Lightfoot.
Lightfoot campaigned in the final days with outgoing Gov. Branstad and popular U.S. Sen. Charles Grassley. They pounded home his campaign themes of cutting taxes, fighting crime and boosting schools and farming.
The Republican proposed a three-point education plan: more money for early childhood education, teacher testing and more money for school discipline. He also proposed a cut in the growth of overall state spending and a decrease in the state income tax.
There was a clear contrast in the messages offered by the candidates as they sought to close the sale with voters.
Lightfoot campaigned virtually as an incumbent, urging voters to continue the 30-year Republican winning streak in the governor's office, one of the nation's longest. He said the state is headed in the right direction and pledged to stay the course.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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