7 hours ago - Politics

Rob Sand adds rural voice to Iowa governor ticket

Jason Clayworth

Split-screen photo of two men outdoors: left man in a dark hoodie and gray cap standing in front of a red barn; right man in a tan jacket and gray cap with trees in a park background. — Rob Sand (right) named Crawford County Supervisor Dave Muhlbauer as his running mate for lieutenant governor on June 8. Photos: Courtesy of the Rob Sand for Iowa campaign

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Rob Sand named Crawford County Supervisor Dave Muhlbauer as his running mate for lieutenant governor Monday.

Why it matters: Muhlbauer is a fifth-generation family farmer and cattleman from a rural, western county — a notable choice as Sand tries to build a bipartisan, rural-friendly campaign in a state that has moved sharply right.

Zoom in: Muhlbauer is serving his second term on the Crawford County Board of Supervisors.

His father, Dan, and grandfather, Louis, both Democrats, also served as county supervisors and as members of the Iowa Legislature.

Between the lines: Sand is leaning into a cross-partisan pitch.

He said last week on Iowa PBS' "Iowa Press" that he has more Iowa GOP donors than any of the five Republicans who ran in the primary for governor and thinks many voters aren't "in love with either party."

Zoom in: Sand also used the interview to preview a campaign centered on open primaries, water quality, wetlands, property taxes and rejecting "culture war" bills.

What we're watching: Sand has challenged Republican nominee Zach Lahn to hold 100 public town halls and join four debates, saying Iowans deserve "transparency" and "accountability."

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Rob Sand adds rural voice to Iowa governor ticket

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