Vice President JD Vance campaigned for Iowa Republicans at a Friday rally in Council Bluffs, attacking Democratic gubernatorial nominee Rob Sand and portraying national Democrats as too far left to govern. Vance defended President Trump’s policies and urged voters to support Republican gubernatorial nominee Zach Lahn, while invoking Democratic candidates in Kansas, Texas and New York [thehill.com][pbs.org][cbsnews.com]. Sand, Iowa’s state auditor, leads Lahn in several polls ahead of the November midterm election. Vance’s appearance was his second trip to Iowa this year; Republicans are competing in closely watched races for governor and the Senate [thehill.com][nypost.com][pbs.org][cbsnews.com]. Highlights: • Senate focus: Vance gave little attention to the competitive Senate contest, in which Democrat Josh Turek faces Republican Rep. Ashley Hinson. Hinson did not attend the rally because of previously scheduled events [cbsnews.com][reddit.com]. Perspectives: JD Vance: Vance called Sand a “career politician” and said Sand’s moderate public image did not match his record or political alignment [pbs.org]. (PBS NewsHour) Josh Turek: The Democratic Senate nominee said Vance’s visit reflected Republican concerns about weakening control of Iowa and argued that wealthy donors were driving the campaign [cbsnews.com]. (CBS News) "Zach is going to be a fighter, ladies and gentlemen. That's what we need. We need somebody who's willing to stand up, stand up and protect your families" — JD Vance Sources: • Vance ends Iowa rally with 7-minute censure of Rob Sand - thehill.com • Vance campaigns in red Iowa but barely mentions competitive Senate race - reddit.com • WATCH: Vance brands Democrats as 'lunatics' at rally in Iowa - pbs.org • Vance rips Dem ‘underwear model’ running for Iowa gov — and the ‘out and out lunatics’ backing him - nypost.com • Vance blasts Democrats as 'lunatics' in Iowa rally push for GOP candidates - newsday.com • JD Vance returns to Iowa for a midterm rally as he lays groundwork for his own ambitions - cbsnews.com • JD Vance pays Iowa a visit to energize voters ahead of midterms - ketv.com --- 📰 Story aggregated by Kagi News