“Matt is a nationally-recognized leader for his monumental work in rebuilding and revitalizing the Iowa GOP,” said Donatelli. “Under his leadership, Iowa Republicans witnessed historic electoral victories, unprecedented voter registration gains, and robust fundraising. We are excited to have his talents leading the way for our organization in Iowa.”
Strawn said GOPAC’s solutions-oriented approach and successful history of developing conservative leaders were major factors in his decision to lead the organization’s efforts in Iowa. “The greatest opportunity to make a difference in Iowa’s future is cultivating the next generation of our state’s leaders,” said Strawn. “Working with GOPAC to identify, train and elect leaders who share a commitment to economic opportunity and individual freedom will lead to a more prosperous Iowa.”
Donatelli said many of GOPAC’s activities in Iowa will build on Strawn’s experience as its Iowa team will be heavily organizational in nature, including, but not limited to, candidate training, voter registration and issue identification efforts aimed at increasing the Republican ranks in the Iowa House and Senate and across Iowa’s county-level offices.
Strawn indicated that a personal focus will be outreach to groups of Iowans who may not necessarily consider themselves Republicans. “There is no societal challenge or problem that cannot be met by applying common-sense, conservative solutions. By championing conservative ideas and policies, we can create jobs and economic opportunities that allow all Iowans the freedom to succeed beyond their wildest dreams. This is a message that should have no socio-economic, racial, gender, or ethnic boundaries.”
Strawn, 38, is a native of Van Horne, Iowa, and is president of The Strawn Company, which holds interests in the Des Moines-based Iowa Barnstormers Arena Football League (AFL) franchise, a family-farm operation in Eastern Iowa, and a communications firm. Strawn and his wife, Erin, reside with their three small children in Ankeny, Iowa.
GOPAC is an organization dedicated to educating and electing the next generation of Republican leaders to state and local office. Since 1978, GOPAC has been searching the ranks of state and local governments for promising Republican leaders, and giving them the education and financial support they need to lead America. Led by Chairman Frank Donatelli and President David Avella, 84% of GOPAC-supported candidates in 2010 were victorious.