Governor dimisses party criticism

Governor Vilsack rejects the idea he has to do any “party healing” in the wake of the resignation of the Iowa Democratic Party’s chairwoman. RoxanneConlin and other democrats have criticized Vilsack for appointing too many Republicans to key government positions. Vilsack today defended hisdecisions saying he has appointed the best people to do the job. Vilsack, for example, appointed Republican Penny Westphal as commissioner of public safety. Vilsack says she was the best educated and qualified candidate for the job. Vilsack has made about 90 percent of the appointments to government jobs and state boards and commissions. Those appointments mustbe confirmed by the Iowa Senate.