MASON CITY, IA - They're down for now, but they say the political wind is shifting.
As republicans across the state met on Saturday afternoon for their county conventions, all eyes were fixed on their version of change, and they say it comes this November.
"We are going to attempt the unthinkable,” said State Senator Merlin Bartz, (R) Grafton. “No party has ever come from the 32-18 minority, to a 26-24 majority in one election cycle."
But they say, with the current momentum, this may be the year for the GOP to do it.
"The state's not going to spend more money that it takes in, and I think that's a really, really important thing," said State Representative Linda Upmeyer, (R) Garner.
The Cerro Gordo County Republicans say they're looking to the democrat's shortfalls over the past year, to go on to victory this year.
"It’s evidence by their spending, by the lack of focus on job creation, by their block of a vote on the marriage amendment," said Garry Blazek speaking on behalf of former Iowa governor, and current candidate, Terry Branstad.
"People are telling me, that they're sick and tired, and quite frankley, they're scared of government take overs, out of control spending, socialized medicines, and ballooning deficits," said Bill Schickel speaking for Senator Charles Grassley.
Over-spending in the state and federal government seemed to be top priority in the room.
Representative Upmeyer says the government needs to cut spending just like everyone else.
Folks in this room seem to agree with that, and they also seem to agree that the power may shift in just a few months.
"January 11th, we came into session,” said Upmeyer, “and I'm considering that a historic day, because that is the last democratic majority I intend to sit in."
This was just one of several stops for many of the lawmakers on Saturday as these conventions were taking place state-wide.
Many of the candidates sent letters to the delegates on their behalf.
The state primary elections are on June 8th.
