At the Keokuk County Republican’s dinner Saturday night in Sigourney, gubernatorial candidates made their cases.

Gubernatorial candidates Bob Vander Plaats, Rod Roberts and Christian Fong each made their case for governor at the Senior Center Saturday night. A 3rd U.S. Congressional District hopeful and a representative for former Republican Gov. Terry Branstand also spoke.

Sioux City businessman Vander Plaats began the night’s list of speakers by bringing up actor/fitness guru Chuck Norris’ endorsement of his campaign. In particular, Vander Plaats talked about Norris’ five “Fs” including faith, family, freedom, fight and fitness.

Norris’ idea of freedom quickly turned Vander Plaats to the issue of same-sex marriage and the April 3 decision to legalize these unions in Iowa, saying marriage between one man and one woman is the “foundation for our society.”

“What the Supreme Court did on April 3, they can’t do,” said Vander Plaats. “The Supreme Court drove a car without a license. They legislated from the bench. On Day One, I’m going to issue an executive order that places a stay on the April 3 decision on same-sex marriages until the people of Iowa have a right to vote on that issue.”

Vander Plaats next turned to education, saying that if he is elected he will appoint representatives for home schooling and private schools to the state board of education.

When it came to competing with current Iowa Gov. Chet Culver, Vander Plaats said Culver is “very vulnerable” before bringing up the fact that the last time an incumbent Iowa governor was defeated was in 1962.

“I believe Chet Culver’s biggest chance at reelection is if we nominate a candidate with a lengthy political record,” said Vander Plaats. “That record becomes the focus, not Culver’s record. The beauty of my candidacy is I don’t have a record.”

Also on hand Saturday night was gubernatorial hopeful and current Iowa State Rep. Rod Roberts, of Carroll. Elected first in 2000, Roberts is currently serving his fifth term.

The son of a high school government and history teacher, Roberts said he became interested in public service early on in life.

Roberts has worked with Christian Churches and Churches of Christ overseeing new church development and leading in strategic planning and leadership development of congregations.

“A campaign with Chet Culver is going to be about leadership — competent, capable leadership,” said Roberts. “He needs to be replaced with someone who knows how to lead.”

Roberts then discussed a recent presentation to school board members from across Iowa from Gov. Culver. He said Culver’s outlook and plan were not impressive to those there.

“He finally got to the jist of his message and basically said we’ve got difficult times, we’re going to continue in difficult times for the foreseeable future, and if any of you have a pot of money you’ve got to spend it now,” said Roberts.

He also took aim at excessive spending before noting that Iowa needs to invest in infrastructure improvements such as roads an bridges. Roberts said the business income tax in Iowa needs to be eliminated, as well.