Working With the Republican Party of Iowa

I said last week it is important to be up front about your affiliations and I meant it.  I was offered and accepted on Monday a contract to manage the Republican Party of Iowa’s web efforts via my communications/social media firm, 4:15 Communications, LLC.  I think it is important to note that I had zero idea when I wrote a post defending A.J. Spiker’s leadership of RPI about this offer – it happened that quickly.  So that was not influenced by this new opportunity.

The Republican Party of Iowa released the following presser this afternoon:

Des Moines, IA – The Republican Party of Iowa announced Thursday that it has contracted with Shane Vander Hart of 4:15 Communications, LLC to manage its website content and social media efforts.

Vander Hart attended journalism school at Drake University, but graduated with a B.A. in youth ministry from Trinity International University.  Shane is a native Iowan and has spent the last 20 years working in the non-profit world.

In 2006 Vander Hart founded and is the editor-in-chief for  Caffeinated Thoughts, a multi-contributor site that provides “stimulating Christian & conservative news and commentary” on culture, current events, faith, and politics which has become a leading conservative voice in Iowa.  He also contributes to The Des Moines Register’s From The Right blog, American Principles in Action,Truth in American Education and has had op/eds published with publications such as The Des Moines Register, POLITICO, The Hill, & Fox News.  Shane was recently recognized by Campaigns & Elections Magazine as one of the top political influencers in Iowa.

“The Republican Party of Iowa is ecstatic to bring Shane Vander Hart on to manage our web and social media content.  He brings a wealth of new media experience, a proven track record of success, and a solid conservative philosophy which is what the party needs moving forward,” said Steve Bierfeldt, RPI’s Executive Director.

“I’m excited to work with the Republican Party of Iowa to assist in the great work they do in mobilizing our grassroots activists and seeing our candidates elected,” Shane Vander Hart said, “I’m also looking forward to building a team of contributors to provide great content for RPI’s website and to ensure that our website is seen as a resource for Republicans across the state – for our activists, candidates and elected officials.”

Vander Hart will officially begin his work with the party on January 1st, but will offer some guest posts on the website before that.

Anyway, I’m excited about my new work and wanted to let you know.  It’s not too often I become part of the news we share here.