Tripartisan Support Grows for Rob Sand’s Gubernatorial Bid as Election Eve Approaches
On the eve of the election, Iowa gubernatorial candidate Rob Sand announced earning support from prominent independent and Republican figures from across the state. The latest wave of support features Maddie Poppe, Iowa’s first and only American Idol winner and a registered no-party voter, alongside Buena Vista County Attorney Paul Allen, a registered Republican.
The announcements arrived as the campaign rolled out its final push ahead of election day. Poppe joined Sand for a rally in her hometown of Waverly, where the pair led the crowd in singing America the Beautiful.
“I’ve never used my platform to talk politics, but this one is important! I saw Rob Sand speak in Waverly today and was asked to lead everyone in singing “America the Beautiful,” which was quite an honor. Rob is even cooler in person. So down-to-earth and such a stand-up guy. It’s refreshing to see someone who puts people over politics, leads with character and class, and genuinely believes in bringing ALL Iowans together. Not redder or bluer, but better and truer. Make your voice heard,” said Maddie Poppe.
Adding momentum from within party ranks, Buena Vista County Attorney Paul Allen also broke with traditional partisan lines to voice his backing for the Democratic nominee, marking his first public political endorsement.
“As Americans and Iowans, we must find common ground where we can, and support good candidates when we can regardless of the letter next to their name. I’ve never publicly endorsed anyone before, and may never again. This time though, I’ve decided to announce my support for Rob Sand for Governor for Iowa. I don’t agree with Rob on every position, but I can say that about every person holding public office. I believe though, that like me, he knows there is a middle ground…I’m a Republican and will work with anyone with good ideas or willing to listen to them. So, to whatever my recommendation may matter, please support Rob Sand for governor of this great state,” said Paul Allen.
The endorsements from Poppe and Allen build on prior coalition announcements from the campaign, which earlier this year introduced a group known as “Rob-Publicans.” The effort has also drawn backing from four prominent Republicans and four prominent Libertarians.
Financial disclosures from the campaign indicate broader grassroots crossover, with contributions logged from over 3,300 registered Republicans and more than 8,000 independent voters spanning all 99 counties in Iowa.
“I’m grateful to have the support of both Maddie and Paul, leaders in their community who know that it’s not about being redder or bluer, but better and truer,” Sand stated. “On the eve of the election, we’re still talking to every voter and showing them they have a place in this campaign. With over 100 Rob-publicans, over 3,300 Republican donors, and over 8,000 independent donors, this campaign has truly been about bringing people together and challenging the idea that we have to be Democrats or Republicans at all. Tomorrow, we’ll come together once more as Iowans and show that public service is more important than politics.”
