(Des Moines, IA) The Republican Party of Iowa’s leadership board has signed a pledge to remain neutral in the Iowa caucus process, completely removing themselves from any endorsements on behalf of any presidential candidate.
The pledge, signed by Chairman Jeff Kaufman, Co-Chairman Cody Hoefert and all of the members of the State Central Committee – the party’s governing board – is unprecedented and is intended to send a clear signal to potential presidential candidates: all are welcome in Iowa, and the caucus process will be a fair and impartial one.
“I am proud of the State Central Committee for taking this extraordinary step in sending a clear signal to all of our candidates and activists across the state,” said Kaufmann. “Iowa has an important stake in the nominating process, and it is an honor we take very seriously every four years. This pledge is a reflection of our commitment to neutrality and openness towards all the candidates and their supporters.
The wording of the pledge is as follows:
“No member of the Republican Party of Iowa State Central Committee, its Officers, or its Staff shall publicly endorse a U.S. Presidential Candidate during the 2016 Iowa Caucuses.”
The pledge was signed at the quarterly central committee meeting on Saturday, November 22.
“There has never been a question of integrity when it comes to the caucus process, but this pledge underscores that fact with an underline and exclamation point,” said Hoefert. “Our party is coming off an incredibly successful election, and we are excited to continue that momentum by welcoming every candidate who wishes to participate in the Iowa caucuses.”
The Iowa caucus will be held in early 2016.