DES MOINES, IOWA – After announcing nationally his intentions to be a
candidate for President of the United States, former U.S. House Speaker
Newt Gingrich unveiled key members of his 2012 Iowa Caucus campaign
team.
Iowa House Majority Leader Linda Upmeyer (R-Garner) will serve as the
campaign’s chairwoman in the “first-in-the-nation” caucuses. Upmeyer, a
long-time supporter of Gingrich, is the first woman ever elected to the
post of Majority Leader in the Iowa House.
“Newt is a friend, a true conservative, and I believe his message for
America’s future will resonate with all Iowa families,” said Upmeyer.
“I’m excited for the chance to help elect him to the presidency. He has
a clear vision to sustain our economic future…to put our families and
neighborhoods first.”
Iowa House Speaker Pro Tempore Jeff Kaufmann (R-Wilton) has also
announced his support for Gingrich 2012, and will serve the campaign as
a senior policy advisor on Iowa related issues such as rural economies,
agriculture and energy.
“Mr. Gingrich has consistently demonstrated he is a man of fresh ideas;
he’s willing to ‘think outside of the box’ for ways to tackle the
issues that are important to Iowans,” said Kaufmann, who has a Ph.D. in
History from the University of Iowa, and serves as a department chair
and professor at Muscatine (Iowa) Community College. “Our economy is
reeling, our national debt is skyrocketing, healthcare is a mess, and
no one is sure what our foreign policy is under the Obama
administration. Newt Gingrich has the experience as both a public
servant and businessman, and the courage to get America back on track”.
Gingrich has also tapped longtime GOP activist and attorney Craig
Schoenfeld to serve as the executive director of his Iowa campaign.
Schoenfeld was a key member of the Bush 2000 Iowa caucus campaign, and
directed the former President’s general election efforts in Iowa in
2000. He served as executive director for New York Governor George
Pataki’s political action committee FreedomPAC in 2006 as the governor
explored a possible 2008 bid for the White House.
“I’ve been an admirer of the Speaker for almost 20 years,” said
Schoenfeld. “He is an American leader. He has a strong record on
economic prosperity, welfare reform and healthcare. He will not be
afraid to lead during times of global crisis. He has an unparalleled
vision to restore America as the greatest country in the world.”
Gingrich also announced other key individuals of his Iowa campaign, who
will be charged with helping him enlist the necessary volunteers and
supporters needed for a strong showing in the February, 2012 caucuses.
Katie Koberg, former Vice President of the influential conservative
group Iowans for Tax Relief, will serve as the Iowa campaign’s deputy
director. Will Rogers, the immediate past co-chairman of the Polk
County Republican Party and former campaign manager for Congressman Tom
Latham (R-IA4), will assist in directing the campaign’s grassroots
organization.
Gingrich plans an extensive tour across Iowa next week, beginning with
stops in Dubuque, Cedar Rapids, Des Moines and Mason City on May 16th
and 17th. He will return a few days later, planning visits from Eastern
to Western Iowa May 19th through the 21st.