Nationwide Attracts GOP Presidential Candidates to Iowa

Nationwide Insurance in downtown Des Moines is quickly becoming the hub of caucus activity.

Newt Gingrich stopped by on Thursday morning on the heels of Mitt Romney's Nov. 23 visit.

"It's so wonderful, it's a great opportunity to help associates to see what everyone is about," said Lynnette Austin, claims associate and member of the company's Civic Action Committee and Political Action Committee. "Not everyone gets a face-to-face meeting with candidates."

The Nationwide Political Action Committee and Civic Action Committee are responsible for bringing GOP presidential candidates Gingrich, Romney, Ron Paul and Tim Pawlenty to the building.

"The CAP formed in 1976, since then the group has hosted candidates such as Carter, Bush and Clinton," said Lori Albrecht, director of corporate communications.

"It's an effort to help our employees be informed," she said. "We invite all candidates.

As of Thursday, no other candidates had confirmed speaking engagements at Nationwide.

"But you get short notice, you might not know until two days before," she said.

So far, the appearances have employees engaged and excited to hear from candidates, she said.

Austin, while undecided, liked what she heard from Gingrich, who spoke to about 500 employees.

"I especially liked how he talked about not voting for him, that we would have to be with him," she said. "He's saying things that I like to hear."

Rick Garneau has had a hand in organizing each candidate's stop at Nationwide.

"I'm not surprised by candidates wanting to come here," he said. "Nationwide is a large employer in the Des Moines area. We have a firm commitment to engage associates in citizenship and always provide this opportunity for all candidates to speak."

Garneau and Austin plan to caucus Jan. 3, but have some research to do first.

"I try to stay well informed," Garneau said. "I'm going to try to get to the (Dec. 10) debates at Drake."

Austin said now that her company has given her the opportunity to see candidates face-to-face, the rest is on her.

"I need to do my research and think about what candidate is right," she said.