Rants ends campaign for governor

Newton Independent

Rep. Chris Rants, R-Sioux City, announced today that he is ending his campaign for the office of the governor.

The former House majority leader said he was ending his campaign due to the "long shot" nature of his candidacy.

"Last fall it became evident that my campaign was a long shot," Rants said in a prepared release. "I continued out of a belief that campaigns should be about issues and ideas, and it was worth the effort to shape the public debate around issues that concern my supporters and me. It is now clear that those opportunities for such a debate are not materializing, and I cannot in good conscience accept or solicit support for an effort I know will be ultimately unsuccessful."

Rants, who will end his tenure at the statehouse after 18 years, said he remains "more troubled about the future of our state than I can remember."

"I describe it as a perfect storm descending upon our state of school equity challenges, a declining business climate and massive property tax increases on the horizon," he said. "I wish my fellow gubernatorial candidates and returning legislators the best of luck in protecting Iowans from the dangers that will befall them if nothing is done."

Rants' departure from the Republican primary race leaves former Gov. Terry Branstad, Sioux City businessman Bob Vander Plaats and Rep. Rod Roberts, R-Carroll, as the remaining GOP contenders for the nomination.