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photo of chad olsen and jeff kaufmann
January 23, 2015--Coming off a successful 2014 cycle, Republican Party of Iowa executive director Chad Olsen and chairman Jeff Kaufmann (twitter) say the party is energized heading into 2016.  Kaufmann, a former state representative from Wilton, is a history and psychology instructor at Muscatine Community College.  Olsen's Iowa caucus experience goes back to Sen. Phil Gramm's 1996 campaign.  In a briefing with reporters Kaufmann said the party has continued to build on its energy from 2014 and has set a goal of raising $1 milliion this year.  The party is already preparing for the caucuses (+) and Kaufmann emphasized that it will be neutral in the caucus process.  He said he wants the candidates to spend time in Iowa, and that Iowa would "earn" its first in the nation status.  In response to a question Kaufmann discussed a recent phone call he received from former Gov. Jeb Bush.  He said they spoke for about 20 minutes.  "I am convinced if he is  a candidate he's going to play in Iowa," Kaufmann said.  He mentioned a couple of times that he had not spoken with former Gov. Mitt Romney.  Kaufmann also indicated that the party is considering venues besides Iowa State University in Ames for its August Straw Poll.  "We are getting some really good offers," he said.
Collectors' items in back of Iowa GOP headquarters.
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