Bob Vander Plaats has quit the race for Iowa governor and will become Jim Nussle's running mate as the Republican team for the Iowa gubernatorial race.

A large voter turnout in western Iowa, particularly northwest Iowa, is critical to winning a general election for a Republican and this decision avoided a divisive primary.

A large Rebublican turnout in Northwest Iowa will compensate for the larger Johnson and Polk counties Democratic turnouts in a statewide race.