DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa Republican Party leaders are pledging to remain neutral in the 2016 presidential caucuses.
Party Chairman Jeff Kaufmann says Wednesday that all the State Central Committee members have signed a pledge not to publicly endorse a candidate. He says this sends a message to potential candidates that Iowa will be a fair playing ground.
Before the 2012 caucuses, A.J. Spiker, a committee member who later became chairman, backed Texas Congressman Ron Paul. Several other party leaders endorsed candidates.
Kaufmann says the pledge received unanimous support at a November meeting. Professional staffers also signed.
Iowa Democratic Party Chairman Scott Brennan says Democrats have not had problems with party leaders endorsing candidates in recent years. He says signing a similar pledge wasn't a top priority but did not rule it out.
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