Iowa GOP at odds over 2014 Republican Convention

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A decision by the Iowa Republican Party to delay the 2014 GOP Convention has been slammed by many of the state’s top Republicans, who argue that pushing back the gathering could jeopardize the party’s chances in next year’s Senate race.

Doug Gross, a Republican fundraiser, says the conflict reveals an ongoing rift among Iowa Republicans.

The official party apparatus is run by followers of libertarian Ron Paul, who have clashed with Republican Gov. Terry Branstad on how to manage state and party affairs.

Critics say that moving the meeting to July 12 from June 14 could be harmful if no one reaches a required threshold in the GOP primary and the nomination is left to the convention. Then the delay could benefit Democratic U.S. Rep. Bruce Braley, who is unopposed.