Branstad, Congressional Delegation Join Wrestling Fight - News, Weather and Sports for Sioux City, IA: KCAU-TV.com

Branstad, Congressional Delegation Join Wrestling Fight

Posted: Updated:

By: Tim Seaman
tseaman@kcautv.com

A political campaign was staged by Iowa lawmakers Friday at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines.  But this one wasn't  for their jobs.  This time they're trying to save Olympic wrestling. Wrestling supporters say they'll have to use strategy, perseverance and unity to win back a spot on the 2020 Summer Olympic roster.  All things the sport teaches young Iowans.

"Lets Keep Wrestling" is branded across shirts and buttons as the name of the campaign.
At the state wrestling tournament, Governor Branstad teamed with gold medalist and Olympic coach Dan Gable along with the coaches from Iowa and Northern Iowa to explain an on-line petition.

They say they want to have strong local opposition that eventually connects with regional, national and international groups.  Creating one big organization with hundreds of thousands of members.

"The #1 elected official in this state, the governor, I believe should lead the fight," said Governor Terry Branstad.  "So we contacted our whole congressional delegation. Both of our senators, all four of our congressmen.  Half are Democrats; half are Republican. They said we want to be a part of it. They all joined in this," added Branstad.

The "Lets Keep Wrestling" campaign is funded by Governor Branstad's re-election committee. When asked why he didn't go through the state government Branstad said that money would come too slowly and this needs to start now.

Powered by WorldNow
All content © Copyright 2001 - 2013 WorldNow and KCAU-TV. All Rights Reserved.
For more information on this site, please read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.