PELLA, Iowa — Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump got a boost for his campaign Saturday when Sen. Chuck Grassley appeared at a a rally here for the billionaire businessman.
Mr. Grassley, who is easily one of the most popular Republican politicians in Iowa, had previously distanced himself from Mr. Trump, including publicly opposing his plan to temporarily ban Muslims from entering the United States.
In a speech, Mr. Grassley stopped short of endorsing Mr. Trump. Instead he called for Trump supporters to keep up the energy they showed at rallies throughout the state and turn out to caucus for Republicans on Feb. 1.
He came as close as possible to giving Mr. Trump a Grassley stamp of approval, including using Mr. Trump’s campaign slogan.
“We have an opportunity again to make america great again,” Mr. Grassley told the crowd filling an auditorium at Central College.
“I’m excited to see the big crowds because of the big energy that comes with it,” he said. “And that’s what it is going to take for us to win back the White House in November.”
He said that he was invited by Mr. Trump to attend the rally and that he appreciated having Mr. Trump’s support.
Still, Mr. Gassley chose to attended the rally at Central College while Mr. Trump’s chief rival for the nomination, Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas, campaigned elsewhere in the Hawkeye State.
“We need you. The energy that’s shown here has to be repeated every day between now and the election. Go to the caucuses and show America that Iowa voters matter,” said Mr. Grassley.
• S.A. Miller can be reached at smiller@washingtontimes.com.
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