DES MOINES, IOWA (AP) -- Republican state Auditor David Vaudt is backing Terry Branstad in the GOP gubernatorial primary.
Vaudt made his endorsement Tuesday, citing the former governor's record of dealing with budget troubles during his four terms in office from 1983 to 1999.
Vaudt says he met with all three Republican candidates before making his decision.
As auditor, Vaudt keeps watch over state spending and is consistently critical of Democrats who hold majorities in the Iowa Legislature and Democratic Gov. Chet Culver.
Vaudt says this is the first time he's taken sides in a Republican primary, and he promised to campaign for Branstad.
Branstad argued that Vaudt's endorsement is especially important because the state is facing severe budget problems.
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