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Democrats seek to hang Branstad record on Reynolds

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Now that Republican Kim Reynolds is Iowa’s governor, Democrats are hoping to tie her to what they consider Terry Branstad’s unpopular policies.

“It’s not like she just became governor without being a partner to all of these…She was there for every bit of the agenda that’s held back Iowans,” says State Senator Nate Boulton of Des Moines, one of the Democrats who’s running for governor.

Boulton says after scaling back union bargaining rights and rolling back minimum wage increases in “multiple” counties, the only person who seems to have gotten a “bump in status” from the Branstad years seems to be Kim Reynolds.

“After promising 200,000 new jobs and an increase in household earnings for working Iowans by 25 percent and instead the only thing that happened was one Iowan that can clearly say they benefitted from the Branstad-Reynolds agenda,” Boulton says.

Boulton attended yesterday’s statehouse ceremony, watching as Reynolds took the oath of office and delivered her first major speech. Boulton then drove to Cedar Rapids where he held what was billed as a “Democratic response” to the new Republican governor’s speech.

Democrat Todd Prichard, a state representative from Charles City who’s running for governor, too, issued a written statement. Prichard said the Branstad-Reynolds agenda has had “devastating effects” on what he calls the “forgotten Iowans.”

Reynolds has raised more than a million dollars for her 2018 race for governor. Iowa’s Republican National Committeeman Steve Scheffler says Reynolds appears to be “in good shape” to win a full term as governor.

“I think she’s got the work habits of Terry Branstad. She’ll work her tail off. She’ll make the case and I think she’ll do a great job and I don’t know if she’ll win in a landslide, but I think she’ll win pretty handily,” Scheffler says.

But Scheffler says neither Reynolds nor the Iowa Republican Party will take 2018 for granted.

“We all remember what happened with Jim Ross Lightfoot and Vilsack that nobody expected,” Scheffler says.

Former Republican Congressman Lightfoot was expected to easily defeat his unknown Democratic challenger, but Tom Vilsack was elected governor in 1998.

Democratic leader seizing on Reynolds’ remark on ‘party labels’

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Rob Hogg

Democrats in the legislature are seizing on what they consider an olive branch from Iowa’s new governor.

Senate Democratic Leader Rob Hogg of Cedar Rapids attended today’s ceremony installing Republican Kim Reynolds as governor and he heard her first address.

“On the issues that she laid out, those are issues that we’re willing to work with her on,” Hogg says. “Tax reform that is fairer and simpler and helps ordinary Iowans, we’re interested in working on that as long as it’s not just a guise for a tax giveaway to the wealthiest Iowans.”

Reynolds also listed renewable energy and education as priority issues and Hogg says Democrats are ready to work with her on those issues as well.

“We’ve got good ideas,” Hogg says. “We hope she’ll reach out to us and we hope she’ll insist that Republican legislative leaders include Democrats in the process.”

Republicans hold a majority of seats in both the House and Senate, which means the GOP decides what is debated. Reynolds said today that party labels didn’t matter nearly as much as getting the job in the small towns where she’s lived. Hogg says the new governor’s promise of “bringing people together to work for Iowans,” is something he and other Democrats embrace.

Kim Reynolds sworn in as governor, delivers first address

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Kim Reynolds is sworn in as Govenor by the Chief Justice of the Iowa Supreme Court as her husband watches.

Iowa has a new governor. Kim Reynolds took the oath of office shortly after 10:45 this morning.

Reynolds will serve out the remaining 18 months of the sixth term Governor Terry Branstad won from Iowa voters in 2014.

“I’m incredibly proud to stand before you today as your governor,” Reynolds said in her first address as the state’s chief executive.

Branstad resigned shortly after 10 a.m. today. He was immediately sworn in as U.S. Ambassador to China. The federal judge who administered the oath to Branstad was Steven Colloton.

Colloton serves on the U.S. Court of Appeals 8th Circuit and he was among the dozen people Donald Trump listed last year as potential picks for an opening on the U.S. Supreme Court. It’s Branstad who is now part of President Trump’s Administration.

With Branstad’s exit, the statehouse spotlight has shifted to Governor Reynolds. She delivered her first speech as governor to a crowd gathered in the state capitol rotunda.

View of the swearing in at the Iowa State Capitol rotunda.

“I have some pretty tough shoes to fill, I’m excited to step into my heels on behalf of the people of Iowa and work every single day,” Reynolds said.

Reynolds, who is 57 years old, is Iowa’s 43rd governor – and the first woman to lead the executive branch of state government.

“You know, I love this state and what it represents,” Reynolds said. “I’m a rural Iowa girl who grew up in a small community, was able to run for county office, to serve as a state senator and your lieutenant governor. And now, to serve as the governor of our state.”

Reynolds carried a lucky coin in her pocket and took the oath of office on a family Bible. She talked about growing up in St. Charles and about working as a check-out clerk at Hy-Vee.

“From where I come from, party label didn’t matter nearly as much as getting the job done,” Reynolds said. “I took that same approach with me to the Legislature, which means bringing people together to work for Iowans.”

Reynolds also looked forward, highlighting some of her priorities and at the top of her list is tax reform.

“Know that each day my team and I will ask ourselves what can we do to build a better Iowa,” Reynolds said. “Let’s move toward this shared goal together.”

Kevin Reynolds, the governor’s husband, is now Iowa’s First Gentleman. The couple’s three adult daughters, their spouses and eight grandchildren were on hand for today’s event, along with Reynolds’ parents.

Soon-to-be Governor Reynolds reflects on her past, the mission ahead

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Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds.

The woman who will become Iowa’s next governor later this morning credits her “small town roots” with propelling her to this point in her political career.

Republican Kim Reynolds will take the oath of office at about 10:30 this morning, shortly after Governor Terry Branstad resigns and is sworn in by a federal judge as the next U.S. Ambassador to China. Reynolds is well aware that as Iowa’s first female governor, she’s breaking barriers.

“Young girls just come up already and they’re so excited,” Reynolds told Radio Iowa yesterday afternoon, her voice cracking with emotion. “You have to see it sometimes to believe in it.”

Reynolds, who is 57, said there were very few role models on the state stage when she became Osceola County Treasurer about 17 years ago. She credited former State Representative Teresa Garman of Ames for being one of the women who showed her the ropes once she got to the statehouse in 2009.

“She stuck to her guns and believed in what she believed in and she took a seat at the table and she took charge and that was really impressive to me to see that,” Reynolds said. “I liked her style.”

Former Lieutenant Governor Joy Corning, who died this past weekend, was another mentor.

“She was adamant about encouraging women to run for office and to seek leadership positions,” Reynolds said, “and would really challenge me to step out there and even take on more.”

Reynolds is a native of St. Charles. She and her husband Kevin raised their three daughters in Osceola. Reynolds said living in a small town prepared her well for the tasks ahead.

“You can be a part of everything, so you’d get to get your feet wet and get out there. It’s time management. It’s teamwork. It’s collaboration,” Reynolds said. “…But I grew up in county government. I wanted to have a seat at the table. I want to be driving ideas and initiatives that would impact my county.”

Branstad described Reynolds as a “policy wonk” yesterday and Reynolds acknowledged she wants to know how things work, but Reynolds said she’s learned over the past six or so years as lieutenant governor that leaders delegate and trust others to follow through. Reynolds, though, intends to be the chief cheerleader for her priority issues.

“If I believe in something, get out of my way because I believe in it from my very soul,” Reynolds said. “…As a leader, then, you want to encourage other people to follow and to feel that same passion for those ideas.”

Look for one of her priority issues to be getting legislators to agree to provide a long-term funding stream for water quality projects, something left over from Branstad’s to-do list. Earlier this year, Reynolds began describing income tax reform as the “next step” to making Iowa more competitive with its neighbors. Reynolds is planning a listening tour of the state this summer along with meetings with legislators and interest groups.

“I think it’s important to get all stakeholders around the table so we’re all hearing the same discussion, we’re all hearing the same numbers,” Reynolds said. “We have different perspectives as we all try to wade through how to make it simpler and flatter and fairer.”

Reynolds recently met individually with the head of every state agency, soliciting ideas for streamlining state government operations, too.

“One of the first things I would like to do, too, is to do a retreat so we can all get together and just brainstorm and talk about innovative ideas and ways we can collaborate and better serve Iowans,” Reynolds said.

Reynolds will be serving the remaining 19 months on the gubernatorial term Terry Branstad won in 2014. She’s already raised more than a million dollars for her own reelection campaign in 2018.

“That’s just part of it and you can’t be afraid to ask. That says that you believe in yourself and you believe in the mission and that’s part of being a leader…convincing them that investment in you is an investment in Iowa and an investment in this state,” Reynolds said. “I’m not afraid to ask because I believe in what I’m doing and I’m excited to keep doing it.”

A handful of Democrats have already expressed interest in challenging her bid for reelection. And yesterday “Progress Iowa” launched a website to catalogue their criticism of Reynolds on a variety of topics.

Kim Reynolds, Iowa’s next governor, pays tribute to Branstad

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Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds hugs Governor Branstad.

Governor Terry Branstad will resign at 10 a.m. tomorrow and a federal judge immediately will swear him in as the next U.S. Ambassador to China.

“I was confirmed by the United States Senate with 82 votes,” Branstad told reporters this morning. “I was very proud to receive a strong, bipartisan endorsement in a time of significant partisanship and difficulty in our nation’s capitol.”

Branstad and Lieutenant Governor Kim Reynolds briefed statehouse reporters this morning about tomorrow’s transition of power at the Iowa capitol (AUDIO is here).

Reynolds and Branstad hugged as Branstad gave up the microphone to her.

“I have no doubt that she will lead the state to bigger and better things in the future and I know nobody that’s ever been as well-prepared to take over the responsibilities as the chief executive of state,” Branstad said.

After their brief embrace, Reynolds began: “Well, I’m going to try to get through this without getting emotional, which is going to be a little bit of a challenge.”

Branstad picked Reynolds as his Lieutenant Governor running-mate nearly seven years ago. Today, Reynolds thanked Branstad for his “unselfish and historic service” to Iowans.

The Governor and Lt. Governor shared some light-hearted moments when talking about the transition.

“It’s difficult to even try to convey how much I appreciate the opportunity to work with you,” Reynolds said. “…I have had the opportunity learn from one of the best, the best governor in the nation.”

According to Reynolds, Branstad’s “competitive nature” has been contagious.

“Whether it was the 99 counties or Governor’s Steer Show or who could get to a groundbreaking or a ribbon cutting first — I did know who was always supposed to come in first,” Reynolds said, and Branstad laughed. “But that doesn’t mean I wasn’t challenged every day to get right there to the edge.”

Reynolds voice shook as she called Branstad the “right person at the right time” for the job of U.S. Ambassador to China.

“You continue to make us proud not only from your service and dedication and love for this state, but to continue to take that unselfish service and Iowa’s values to the world by being the ambassador to China is such a great testament to who you and Chris are,” Reynolds said. “…I just want to say personally: ‘Thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve with you.'”

Reynolds delivered an upbeat ending in her tribute to Branstad.

“We’ve had fun and we’ve worked hard and we’ve made a difference,” Reynolds said.

Reynolds will take the oath of office and become Iowa’s 43rd governor at about 10:30 tomorrow morning.

Branstad heading north on his final day as governor (AUDIO)

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Governor Branstad talks about going home on his final day in office.

Terry Branstad is going to spend his last day as governor where — in his words — “it all began.”

“I just want to say, ‘Thank you,’ to the people that launched my career,” Branstad said this morning.

Branstad was born in the Forest City hospital, grew up on a farm near Leland and practiced law in Lake Mills.

“I’m going to see the new Freedom Rock that’s just been painted in Lake Mills which has my picture on it, in my army uniform,” Branstad said. “I’m proud that they chose to do that.”

Branstad’s first successful campaign for office was to represent Lake Mills and the surrounding area in the Iowa House.

“They were so generous and supportive of me and I want to let them know how much I appreciate the honor and the opportunity that I’ve had coming from that small county in Minnesota border,” Branstad said.

Branstad will visit the museum in Forest City where some of his political memorabilia has been deposited and where more of it is being transferred as he packs for his new post as U.S. Ambassador to China. He’ll also visit his elderly aunt as well as other family and friends in the area.

“And I have literally made friends in every county of this state and I just want people to know that I am so humbly appreciative of the support and assistance that we have received over the years,” Branstad told reporters this morning, “and I won’t forget it and I will be back.”

Branstad made his comments to reporters in the statehouse this morning. Branstad has held weekly news conference throughout his tenure as governor. Branstad, along with Lieutenant Governor Kim Reynolds, spoke at Branstad’s final weekly news conference this morning (AUDIO here).

“I’m in a believer in free press and, you know, I grew up reading the Forest City Summit and the Lake Mills Graphic,” Branstad said.

Branstad also did weekly legislative updates on KILR Radio in Estherville when he was a state representative. Branstad told Iowa reporters he’ll be an advocate of American values like freedom of the press as ambassador to China, but the Chinese media is very different than ours and controlled by the state.

“I’m realistic,” Branstad said this morning. “I don’t know that I am going to be able to change their system, but I certainly want to be an advocate for human rights, for intellectual property rights and for many of these issues that we, as Americans, care deeply about.”

Branstad may be able to take one or two staff members with him to China, but he’s working with the State Department on the details. Lieutenant Governor Kim Reynolds is expected to bring in her own staff once she becomes governor, but she declined to share the details of those staff changes today.

Senator Grassley reacts to terror bombing in England

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Senator Chuck Grassley. (file photo)

Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley says last night’s terrorist attack in England that killed at least 22 people and injured around 60 has cast a “somber” mood over this morning’s work at the U.S. Capitol. ISIS is claiming responsibility for the bombing in Manchester at a concert featuring American pop star Ariana Grande.

“What was supposed to be a joyous occasion was ruined by hate,” Grassley says. “Attacks like these remind us that the war on terror is a multi-generational battle and one that is about nothing less than humanity’s values.”

It’s believed a man carried the explosives into the 21,000-seat arena and detonated the bomb, killing himself in the blast in a large foyer following the concert’s final song. Grassley says, “These sorts of cowardly attacks on innocent civilians, many of whom were children, are an ever-present threat in this modern age.”

The apparent bomber may not have acted alone as police are holding a 23-year-old man in connection with the attack. “I plan on being briefed further on the matter as the situation develops and we learn more,” Grassley says. “Today, Barbara and I are praying for the recovery of those who survived and for the families and friends of those whose lives were lost.” It’s the deadliest terrorist attack on British soil since the 2005 London bombings which claimed 52 lives and injured more than 700.

Reynolds to reveal ‘forward-looking policy’ in first speech as governor (AUDIO)

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Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds.

Lieutenant Governor Kim Reynolds will take the oath of office tomorrow at 10:30 in the state capitol, right after Governor Branstad resigns in the office he’s occupied for more than 22 years and is sworn in as U.S. Ambassador to China.

Reynolds will deliver her first speech as governor tomorrow and she gave a hint of what it may contain this morning.

“I’m just going to talk a little bit about me and who I am and my journey from county treasurer to serving as lieutenant governor to now serving as the governor of the great state of Iowa,” Reynolds said. “…And, of course, some forward-looking policy as well.”

Governor Branstad and Lt. Governor Reynolds talk about the transition of power.

Early this month Iowa’s attorney general issued an opinion that Reynolds did not have the authorty to name her replacement once she becomes governor. On Thursday, Iowa’s next governor will reveal whether she’ll name her replacement on Thursday.

“I will have the opportunity to share my news about the lieutenant governor process,” Reynolds said this morning. “Iowans expect a smooth transition and so that’s what we’re focused on right now. I’ll be sworn in tomorrow and then on Thursday we’re going to be making that announcement.”

Reynolds and Branstad both spoke to statehouse reporters today. It was Branstad’s final news conference as governor.

AUDIO of news conference, 41:00

 

 

Branstad confirmed as ambassador by 82-13 vote in U.S. Senate

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Republican Governor Terry Branstad has been confirmed to be U.S. Ambassador to China.

Eighty-two U.S. Senators voted for Branstad’s nomination and 13 Democrats voted no late this afternoon. Branstad will resign as governor on Wednesday morning and Lieutenant Governor Kim Reynolds will be sworn in as Iowa’s 43rd governor.

Maryland Senator Ben Cardin is the ranking Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and he praised Branstad during remarks on the Senate floor before the confirmation vote was taken.

“I had a chance to meet with him in my office and I must tell you I was extremely impressed about how he was prepared to move on to be the ambassador to China and how he spoke in favor of our strong ideals,” Cardin said.

Cardin said Branstad “has a passion about American values.”

“I would say he’s anxious to represent American and global interests for China improving their human rights record, in dealing with the right of religious minorities, in dealing with dissent and the right of a free press,” Cardin said. “He very much spoke about the need for the rule of law.”

Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley picked up on that theme during his brief remarks about Branstad.

“I  have no doubt that he will stand strong for American values such as freedom of the press and religious liberty and work to strengthen peace, stability and prosperity between our two nations,” Grassley said.

Grassley also stressed Branstad’s tenure as the nation’s longest-serving governor.

“He will bring Midwestern humility and level-headed leadership to the job,” Grassley said. “He is a workhorse who is unafraid to get into the trenches to get the job done.”

Joni Ernst, Iowa’s other U.S. Senator, said Branstad will be an “effective advocate” for U.S. interests in China.

“Iowa’s extensive trade relationship with China has given Governor Branstad a front-seat view of the complexities of our country’s broader trade and economic relationship with China,” she said.

Ernst also mentioned Branstad’s long-standing relationship with the man who is now China’s president after their initial meeting in Iowa back in 1985.

“But he is also prepared to tackle the many other complex, bilateral issues we have with China,” Ernst said, “from North Korea to the South China Sea to human rights.”