Another conservative leader in Iowa stepped forward to announce his support for Republican presidential candidate U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas on Friday.
Loras Shulte joined several Christian conservative leaders in the first-in-the-nation caucus state to back the freshman senator’s presidential bid. The vocal champion for life and traditional marriage has been involved in Iowa Republican politics for more than three decades.
“I’ve [served] in nearly every capacity one can be involved in; from local committee-man to County Chairman, to serving on the State Central Committee,” Shulte said. He also served as the State Director for Pat Buchanan’s Presidential Campaign in 1996 and for Gary Bauer in 2000.
But to make his endorsement, he had to resign his seat on the Republican Party of Iowa’s State Central Committee. Leading up to this current election cycle, each member of the State Central Committee pledged not to endorse any candidate for President.
Shulte’s resignation was effective Nov. 18.
“It’s not just our country that finds itself in difficult times, for the world is ablaze in a manner not seen in decades,” he said of his endorsement. “I believe Ted Cruz represents the best chance we have to restore not only what is great about America, but of providing the leadership the international community is lacking.”
In the press release from his campaign, Cruz was quoted as saying Shulte brings a wealth of institutional knowledge. As a member of the board of directors at Iowa Right to Life, he also brings the sort of personal political network that can make a profound difference in the closing days of a caucus campaign.
“He knows that when conservatives unite, we win,” Cruz said. “I appreciate the leadership he has demonstrated during his time on the State Central Committee, and for leading again by stepping down to actively support our campaign.”
Shulte’s departure from the State Central Committee may be a blow to efforts to advance Christian conservative ideals within the Republican Party of Iowa. He was a solid conservative representing Iowa’s First Congressional District, arguably the most liberal-leaning of Iowa’s congressional districts.
In 2014, the first district convention delegates “simplified” the district platform by removing the defense of traditional marriage. They instead adopted a plank that states the district’s Republicans support efforts to remove marriage from government control.
It was a move that grabbed headlines throughout the Hawkeye State.
The Republican Party of Iowa State Central Committee is comprised of 16 members — four from each of the congressional districts — as well as two national committeemen, the co-chair, and the chairman. The 16 committee members are elected by their respective district central committees.
The First District Central Committee will meet at an as-yet-unannounced date to elect Shulte’s replacement.
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