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IowaPolitics.com: Branstad launches Web site, prepares for comeback tour
1/13/2010

About 150 supporters and staff showed up Tuesday night at Graze Restaurant in West Des Moines for former Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad's launch of his Web site for the 2010 gubernatorial campaign.

Tim Albrecht, the communications director for the Branstad campaign, delivered the majority of the presentation on Governorbranstad2010.com, which focused on social media.

“Republicans have had a lot of catching up to do with social media.” Albrecht said. “More than any other campaign that’s ever occurred in this state, you are going to be intricately involved with all of our online efforts.”

Albrecht proudly introduced Branstad’s Facebook page, which is complete with event listings, updates and campaign links. The presentation also displayed Branstad’s Twitter account, GovBranstad2010, which was used to announce the campaign’s plans earlier this month.

Governorbranstad2010.com will also include its own social network, Go.terrybranstad.com, which will provide a place for supporters to link up with other supporters in their area.

Albrecht said he was not concerned about missing any older demographics by launching a huge social media push. Tuesday night's presentation was well received by the diverse crowd, which ranged from college students to retirees.

“The fastest growing demographic on Facebook is the baby boomers," Albrecht said.

Terry Welch, a supporter from Polk City, said he was thoroughly impressed by the new Web site.

“I’m not on Facebook or anything, but Ron Paul ran his campaign like this and raised a lot of money and attention,” Welch said. “I think this site is going to be great for Republicans.”

The former governor only made a brief statement at Thursday’s event, but seemed very optimistic about his next week’s comeback tour. “It’s going to be an exciting time and opportunity to put Iowa back on the right track," Branstad said.

Branstad’s campaign will launch its comeback tour in Des Moines on Jan. 19 at the Iowa Historical Society building. The tour will visit 17 cities in four days, covering every portion of the state.

- By Jeff Glaze
For IowaPolitics.com


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