The name and face needed no introduction.

When former Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad stepped into the Dubuque County GOP convention, the nearly 75 people broke into applause.

"It's good to be back in Dubuque County," he said. "The first time I ran (for governor), I was so excited to see that I carried Dubuque County. Abraham Lincoln didn't carry Dubuque County."

For the next five minutes, the man who governed the state from 1983 to 1999 revved up his party by hitting on top talking points:

* An economic comeback.

"When I was governor, I lead Iowa from an 8.5 percent unemployment rate to a 2.5 percent unemployment rate, and I left the budget in a surplus."

* Building up a Republican stronghold.

"I have never felt as good about a Republican comeback in Iowa as I do now. We've got great candidates and great opportunities. Yes, the Democrats in this state have 100,000 more registered voters than we do, but we have the ability to turn out strong."

* Restoring fiscal responsibility.

"(Current Governor Chet) Culver's plan

Video Tease: Branstad talks about repealing gay marriage and about bringing rival Vander Plaats onto his ticket.

of borrowing our way to prosperity has only increased our problems. Iowa needs better than that, and I would be a common-sense Republican leader."

* Rejecting Democratic takeover.

"Many Iowans are simply appalled by the Democratic ideas of increasing the size and scope of national government."