Bob Vander Plaats

Robert L. "Bob" Vander Plaats (born April 12, 1963), is an American politician. He is a former high school principal, non-profit CEO, and currently the president and CEO of MVP Leadership, INC in Sioux City, Iowa. MVP Leadership specializes in Strategic Planning, Fund Development, Succession Planning, Inspiration, and Executive Mentorship.

In February, 2007 Vander Plaats released his first book, "Light from Lucas." This inspirational story of Bob and Darla's third son is published by Focus on the Family and Tyndale House Publishers. "Light from Lucas" is a recommended read by Barnes and Noble and was a 2007 Staff Pick by Focus on the Family. "Light from Lucas" is currently in its second printing.

He was a primary candidate for the 2006 Iowa Republican gubernatorial nomination, competing against Iowa Congressman Jim Nussle. As the race progressed, he withdrew his candidacy for Governor in favor of being Nussle's running mate in the general election. Calls by GOP party higher-ups for Vander Plaats to get out of the race were reportedly due to Vander Plaats reporting only $459,000 cash on hand compared to Nussle's $2,500,000. [ [http://desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060422/NEWS09/604220347/1001/NEWS Des Moines Register] article "Nussle plans launch of election-year's first TV ad" published April 22, 2006 and [http://dmregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060220/NEWS/60220008/1001 Des Moines Register] article "GOP sources: Vander Plaats to drop out, endorse Nussle" published February 20, 2006] The Republican Nussle/Vander Plaats ticket lost the election to the Democratic Culver/Judge ticket.

Vander Plaats unsuccessfully ran for the GOP gubernatorial nomination in 2002, losing to Doug Gross. [ [http://www.dmregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060221/NEWS10/602210362/1001&lead=1 Des Moines Register] article "Vander Plaats joins Nussle, sets GOP ticket for race" publishd February 21, 2006]

In 2007 and 2008, Bob Vander Plaats endorsed and traveled across Iowa with Republican Presidential candidate and former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee. On many occasions, Governor Huckabee titled Bob Vander Plaats the "next Governor of Iowa," [http://ktracy.com/?p=743] suggesting he may run for Governor again in 2010. After Huckabee won the Iowa Caucus in 2008, Bob Vander Plaats may have had his political stock rise considerably, especially if he taps into the voting block that supported Governor Huckabee in the Iowa Caucus.

ources