IA-Gov: Branstad Holds On

Former four-term Gov. Terry Branstad (R) narrowly beat conservative favorite Bob Vander Plaats (R) in the GOP gubernatorial primary, 50% to 41%.

Branstad was the establishment candidate in the primary, and was deemed "too moderate" by many Tea Party and conservative activists. But he was still endorsed by 2012 hopefuls Mitt Romney and Sarah Palin.

Initial polling shows Branstad with an early advantage over incumbent Gov. Chet Culver (D) in the general election.