Democrat Leopold suspends campaign for governor

By Ed Tibbetts, Quad City Times

Rich Leopold, the first Democrat to announce his candidacy for governor, is now the first to drop out.

In a statement Wednesday, the former Iowa Department of Natural Resources director said that the chances of an outsider winning the race are small, though he said he got encouragement from people as he traveled the state.

?I have heard from so many people across Iowa, that if a person like me, an outsider, could get elected, it would restore their faith in state government. Truth is, the reality of an outsider mounting a winning campaign in Iowa is slim,? Leopold said.

Leopold, who is the Polk County Conservation director, got into the race early, in January. However, since then a raft of Democrats have announced their own candidacies, including several who have higher profiles in party, union and business circles.

In his statement, Leopold called them ?political insiders? and cited challenges in raising money as reasons for his dropping out.

?I encourage both voters and candidates to join me in calling for election reform. The more level the playing field, the better chance we have of putting in office those who can deliver on the needs of the people,? Leopold said.

The Democratic field is big this year, as the party believes it has a good chance at winning the governor?s race next year. The party that doesn?t control the White House often does well in mid-term elections, and with the exit of Terry Branstad from office, several Democrats have jumped into the race.

Five other Democrats have already said they will run for the party?s nomination, while at least three others have said they are considering candidacies.

Gov. Kim Reynolds, a Republican, is expected to seek the office next year, though she has made no official announcement.

Cedar Rapids Mayor Ron Corbett also has been considering a bid for the Republican nomination.