There was not a hand in the room that Bob Vander Plaats did not shake.

Nor was there a wasted moment for the only Republican to officially declare his intention for the governor’s seat.

Vander Plaats spoke Saturday at an ISU College Republicans dinner.

Mirroring his campaign in 2002, Vander Plaats stressed his background as an educator, a businessman and an outsider to politics.

“We need a candidate without a record, and I don’t have a record,” he said.

With the rhythmic fire of an evangelical minister and the honed oratory skills of a school teacher, Vander Plaats said there needs to be a strong leadership in place to make Iowa a more competitive place for business.

“I think we have too many politicians today who put themselves above the cause — and it’s re-election,” Vander Plaats said. “That’s not leadership.”

The only other Republican being considered for the governor’s race, Rep. Jim Nussle, R-Iowa, was not able to make it to the dinner, said Andrew Dorr, Nussle’s political director.

Nussle has not officially made a decision about whether to seek the governor’s seat, although Dorr said an announcement could be expected within the next 60 days. He said Nussle is waiting for his budget to get passed by Congress and for the Iowa Legislature to adjourn.

“I don’t have an answer right now,” he said.

Dorr, who spoke on behalf of Nussle, said he was the best candidate for the position because of his success in eastern Iowa and his conservative values.

“Not only does he have the ability to win in eastern Iowa, he has the message to win in western Iowa,” he said.

Vander Plaats finished third in the 2002 Republican primary. Former state Rep. Steve Sukup, R-Dougherty, tied with Vander Plaats with 32 percent of the vote. Des Moines Republican Doug Gross finished first with 36 percent of the vote.

Two Democrats have declared they are running. Sioux City businessman Sal Mohamed and state Rep. Ed Fallon, D-Des Moines, have announced their candidacy. Secretary of State Chet Culver, Iowa Department of Economic Development director Michael Blouin and Senate Democratic Leader Mike Gronstal are also among the people mulling a bid for governor.

For the more than 80 people gathered in the Scheman Building for the dinner on Saturday, Vander Plaats served as a reminder that the next election is not as far off as it seems.

Other guests included U.S. Rep. Jim Leach, R-Iowa, former Gov. Robert Ray and Leon Mosley, co-chairman of the Republican Party of Iowa.

Gentry Collins, former executive director for the Iowa Republicans, thanked the College Republicans for their work on the 2004 general election and urged them to keep an eye on 2006.

Despite winning the state by more than 10,000 votes in November’s election, Collins said Republicans should not get too comfortable.

Collins said 2006 is going to be an important election for Republicans.

If Nussle runs for governor, there will be an open congressional seat.

In 2004, Nussle’s district, the first district, was part of a bloc of 33 counties that voted for John Kerry.

Jeff Daker, chairman of the Iowa Federation of College Republicans, said there has been an increased effort to get more people involved in the College Republicans.

He said events like Saturday’s dinner were being planned at other campuses.