Iowa GOP Chairman Strawn Moves to Forefront

Iowa Republican Party Chairman Matt Strawn has become a key figure, thanks to Iowa’s status as the first primary/caucus state in the nation, Politico reports.

The Republican Party organization in Iowa had deteriorated prior to Strawn winning his position in 2009. But under his leadership the GOP is attracting major donations and scored impressive victories in the 2010 elections.

As an Iowa native, Strawn has credibility locally. And as a former congressional aide, he also has credibility nationally. He recently has talked up Iowa and its caucus system on media outlets throughout the nation. Some pundits question its relevance given the dominance of social conservatives in Iowa.

“My role is to be the chief advocate for Iowa, nationally, in making sure the caucuses remain in a lead off position. But also helping people outside of Iowa understand the role that [it] plays,” Strawn told Politico.