Polk County Republican Co-Chair Dave Funk Announces Bid for Iowa GOP State Chair

RUNNELS – Polk County Republican activist Dave Funk announced this afternoon he wants to replace Matt Strawn as the Republican Party of Iowa state chairman. Strawn resigned his post Tuesday, effective Feb. 10.

Funk, a retired Northwest Airlines Captain and Iowa Army National Guard pilot, is heavily involved in county and state Republican politics as a volunteer and activist. He is seeking the State Chair post because he said he understands the importance of the 2012 elections.

“From the White House to the Courthouse, Republicans are embattled in an ideological conflict with President Barack Obama and his advancement of the progressive, socialism movement,” Funk said.

In an interview Wednesday on WHO radio’s Simon Conway Show, Funk announced his intentions to deliver a November defeat of President Barack Obama in Iowa by unifying all Republicans from the grassroots to the party loyalists.

“As State Chairman, I am reaching out to all Republicans to work toward making Barack Obama a one-term president, sending four Republicans to represent Iowa in Congress and giving Governor Terry Branstad two Republican majorities at the Iowa Statehouse,” Funk said.

Funk applauded Strawn’s efforts as chairman, and said he wants to build upon the solid foundation currently in place at the Republican Party of Iowa; expand GOP grassroots and fundraising efforts by getting all Republicans excited and involved; and defend and protect Iowa’s First in the Nation status.

“Volunteers, activists and county and state leaders have all played important roles in helping Iowa Republicans make significant gains in the 2010 election cycle,” Funk said. “We must continue to be vigilant and fight with that same unified enthusiasm to send a loud, clear message that the progressive, socialism movement ends November 6. I am asking Iowa Republicans for their support and GOP State Central Committee members for their vote in my bid to be the next Republican Party of Iowa State Chairman.”

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• GOP’s Strawn says ‘party is strong,’ remains silent about criticism as he resigns chairmanship (desmoinesregister.com)
• Governor Branstad Thanks Matt Strawn for His Service to the Republican Party of Iowa (iowagrounds.com)
• Matt Strawn to Step Down as Iowa GOP Chairman (iowagrounds.com)
• Governor disappointed in resignation of party chair (radioiowa.com)