Iowa GOP Executive Pens Caucus Novel
Laudner captures insider’s view of process
Des Moines, Iowa – Chuck Laudner, executive director of the Republican Party of Iowa, wrote a novel about the caucus process in 2006. The book, titled Stand and Deliver – The 2008 Iowa GOP Caucus, begins with a fictional Straw Poll account and concludes with the declaration of the caucus winner in 2008.
All proceeds from the sale of the book will go to the Iowa Republican Party. It is available for preorder at www.iowagop.net and will be for sale at the Iowa Straw Poll. While Laudner’s name may be on the cover, his intention is for the book to bolster the Republican Party’s coffers and ability to assist its candidates.
“This book is the culmination of many discussions held with friends and co-workers in 2006 before I joined the Republican Party as executive director,” Laudner explained. “For those of us who operate in Iowa’s political sphere, the 2008 Iowa caucus is the bottom of the ninth with two outs and the bases loaded. Selection of the next Republican nominee for the presidency occupies our entire thought process.”
In the novel, readers are introduced to a field of Republican presidential candidates, and their staffs, as well as Iowa political figures. While no candidate in Stand and Deliver correlates directly with one of those currently criss-crossing Iowa, parallels on issues and circumstances do exist.
“When writing the book over a year ago, I had no idea the plot I outlined would reflect reality so closely in many instances,” Laudner commented. “The field of candidates in 2006 was different yet many similarities remain.”
A synopsis of the book states, “With a combination of seasoned political operatives from DC and their home states as well as Iowa activists, the battle for endorsements, face time with party leaders, and grassroots support plays out in Iowa’s cities, small towns, and living rooms.
“The everyday drama of a campaign plays out through ups and downs, the unexpected and predictable. Issues drive the interaction between Iowans and candidates with emphasis on energy, immigration, and family.
“Iowans see their role in the process of politics, and will understand how their participation will shape the outcome of not only the Iowa caucus, but the 2008 presidential race, the nation’s future, and – ultimately – America’s place on the world stage.”
Before joining the Republican Party of Iowa, Laudner served as chief of staff and senior policy advisor for Iowa Congressman Steve King, managed Bill Salier’s senate campaign, worked for Steve Forbes’ Iowa campaign team, and Senator Charles Grassley as well.
