United States Republican Governor Terry Branstad, aiming for a sixth term in Iowa in November, credited his famous mustache for his political success, a CNN reporter said.

If he wins in the midterm elections, he would be the longest-serving governor in the country's history, with more than 20 years of service.

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"I've never lost, and I've always done it with a mustache, so I'm going to keep it," he told CNN National Political Reporter Peter Hamby in "Hambycast."

Branstad, 67, and his running partner, Lieutenant Gov. Kim Reynolds, are favored to win another re-election bid in November, according to Hamby.

Mustache charms aside, the Republican wins elections because he is tougher than he seems, the reporter said.

This is one reason that many Republicans go to Iowa and seek Branstad's campaign backing.  He has the ability to boost voter support among Iowans.

In addition, his track record is favored by citizens.

For one, he brought in US$9 billion investments in Iowa in 2010, creating more than 150,000 jobs in the state. He also closed a budget deficit of $900 million, where more than half of it was for Medicaid.

He also caused state universities to freeze tuition fees for two straight years and modernized education policies to boost support for teachers and motivate students.

In contrast, he was accused of corruption and was tied to scandals.

Despite this, the political weather remains favorable to Branstad, who is being challenged by Democratic Jack Hatch, Hamby said.

A Democratic voter commented that Iowans see Branstad as a comfortable choice.

Branstad was first elected as governor in 1982 at the age of 36, served four terms before retiring at 2000. Six years ago, he came out of retirement, ran and won again.

Winning again in November would be historic for Branstad and would prove his mustache theory.

TagsTerry Branstad, Iowa, Governor, Kim Reynolds, Jack Hatch, Democrat, Republican