Governor Culver’s hinting his next job may be in the renewable fuels industry. “I’m hopeful that I’ll be able to find a full-time position in the renewable energy sector. That’s really my top preference. I also prefer being a C.E.O.,” Culver says. “I really have enjoyed running a large, $6 billion entity. I think…we’ve governed effectively, balancing the (state) budget for four years in a row.”
Culver, a Democrat, leaves office January 14th after losing a bid for a second term as Iowa’s governor. “The future is going to be bright. I am very optimistic. I’m excited about some of the opportunities that lie ahead,” Culver says.”We hope to continue to live in Iowa. I’m a fifth-generation Iowan. I love this state. My children are very happy in their old neighborhood once again and attending Sacred Heart in West Des Moines.”
Sacred Heart is a private, Catholic school — not far from the home the Culvers lived in before the family moved into Terrace Hill in 2007.
Culver is this weekend’s guest on the Iowa Public Television program, “Iowa Press,” and when asked what his “legacy” as governor will be, he didn’t begin by talking about state government. Culver said his number one goal was to remain a “committed” father to his children.
“I took the time to make sure that my family did well through those challenging times. My priorities were in order in terms of my family and my faith,” Culver said. “And I feel good about the fact that we’re leaving Terrace Hill stronger and we’re really content.”
Culver’s daughter, Clare, is nine and his son, John, is eight.
Culver said it’s “too soon to tell” whether he’ll run for office again. “I’ve been privileged to serve the people of Iowa, now, for 12 years in statewide elective office,” Culver said. “I’ve been in politics for closer to 20 years, starting right out of college in 1988 working for the Iowa Democratic Party, so I’m really excited about pursuing some of my other dreams.”
Culver served as Iowa’s secretary of state for eight years before he won a four-year term as governor in November of 2006.