Top Iowa Republican to become Ambassador to Barbados

It’s official. A top Republican legislator from Iowa has been nominated by President Bush to be an Ambassador in a warm weather locale. Senate President Mary Kramer of Clive, which is a Des Moines suburb, has said she was in line to become an Ambassador, but she hasn’t been willing to confirm where she will be sent, until last night. Bush is nominating her to be U.S. Ambassador to Barbados and the Eastern Carribbean. In a prepared statement, Kramer said it’s a “tremendous opportunity” that she will “not take lightly.” She went on to call it the opportunity of a lifetime for her and her family. Kramer, a long-time Bush supporter, is a retired Blue Cross/Blue Shield executive. She must undergo a Senate committee hearing and be confirmed by the Senate before she can take the post in Barbados.