Former Iowa Gov. Branstad claims Republican nomination to face Democratic Gov. Culver in fall

Republicans nominate Branstad for Iowa governor

DES MOINES, Iowa — The fall election will see governor pitted against governor in Iowa.

Republicans have nominated former Gov. Terry Branstad to run against Democratic Gov. Chet Culver.

Branstad defeated Sioux City businessman Bob Vander Plaats and state Rep. Rod Roberts of Carroll to claim the Republican nomination and a bid for a fifth term in office. Branstad served as governor from 1983 to 1999.

Branstad had raised far more money than his Republican rivals and led in virtually all the pre-primary polling. He is expected to kick off his general election campaign Wednesday when he is scheduled to speak to a business group.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The fall election will see governor pitted against governor in Iowa.

Republicans have nominated former Gov. Terry Branstad to run against Democratic Gov. Chet Culver.

Branstad defeated Sioux City businessman Bob Vander Plaats and state Rep. Rod Roberts of Carroll to claim the Republican nomination and a bid for a fifth term in office. Branstad served as governor from 1983 to 1999.

Branstad had raised far more money than his Republican rivals and led in virtually all the pre-primary polling. He is expected to kick off his general election campaign Wednesday when he is scheduled to speak to a business group.