Why the GOP establishment embraces Trump in Iowa more than any other battleground [View all]

Don't read this before dinner. It will ruin your appetite.

DES MOINES — At the end of his speech here Saturday, Donald Trump tried to shake the hand of Iowa’s governor. But Terry Branstad had other plans. He moved in for a hug.

The hug was a fitting symbol of how fully the Republican establishment in Iowa has embraced Trump, even as party leaders in other swing states increasingly keep him at arm’s length.

It’s driven largely by the governor, whose son Eric is Trump’s state director.

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A big reason Trump likes to come here is that he’s welcomed with such open arms. That’s why he spoke for nearly an hour at Joni Ernst’s annual motorcycle ride and pig roast, which drew a crowd of 1,800 to the state fairgrounds. He spoke after a procession of elected officials called for everyone to unify behind him.

“Iowa is very fortunate to have some of the best and most dedicated public servants in the country,” Trump said when he took the stage. “A lot of states would love to have that roster! Believe me.”



....https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/paloma/daily-202/2016/08/29/daily-202-why-the-gop-establishment-embraces-trump-in-iowa-more-than-any-other-battleground/57c36df3cd249a6fcddb9f50/