State Auditor Rob Sand says taxpayers shouldn't have to pay to appeal a jury's decision that awarded $1.5 million to a former state official. Sand, a Democrat, wrote a letter to other statewide officials about the case involving former Republican Governor Terry Branstad and former Workers … [Read more...]
Reynolds favors local control of wind turbine locations
Former Governor Terry Branstad championed statewide standards that overrode local attempts to restrict where livestock confinements may be built, but his successor says she will not propose statewide standards for placement of wind turbines. The Madison County Board of Supervisors will hold a … [Read more...]
Governor still reviewing options in discrimination case
Governor Kim Reynolds was asked Tuesday about the mounting legal bill as state lawyers seek to have a verdict awarding a former labor commissioner $1.5-million dollars thrown out. The discrimination case involved former Governor Terry Branstad -- and Reynolds says the lawyer fees can't be … [Read more...]
Branstad talks trade war at Iowa State Fair
The U.S. Ambassador to China talked trade as he visited the Iowa State Fair over the weekend. Former Iowa Governor Terry Branstad says the escalating trade troubles between the U.S. and China are top-of-mind for many people, from politicians to ag producers. Ambassador Branstad was asked how long … [Read more...]
Petition asks judge to toss $1.5 million jury verdict against former Gov. Branstad
Attorneys for the State of Iowa are challenging a jury's verdict against former Governor Terry Branstad. The jury awarded Christopher Godfrey $1.5 million after concluding Branstad retaliated against the former Workers Compensation Commissioner because he's gay. After taking office in 2010, … [Read more...]
Jury awards gay state official $1.5 million in discrimination case
After seven years of litigation and a six-week trial, a jury has decided former Iowa Governor Terry Branstad discriminated against a gay state official. The jury awarded former Workers' Compensation Commissioner Christopher Godfrey $1.5 million in damages. "It's important, indeed critical, that … [Read more...]
Branstad rejects accusation he pressured official to resign because he’s gay
Former Republican Governor Terry Branstad sat in the witness chair in a Des Moines courtroom for nearly six hours Friday and forcefully rejected allegations he tried to force a state administrator to resign seven years ago because the official was gay. "I was raised by a Jewish mother who was … [Read more...]
Branstad testifies in trial over his treatment of state agency chief
Terry Branstad this morning said his job as governor was "to listen to the people" and Branstad said he asked the state Workers Compensation Commissioner to resign shortly after the 2010 election after hearing complaints from Iowa's business community. "The people of Iowa had chosen a new … [Read more...]
After 7 years, trial underway in discrimination lawsuit against Branstad administration
Former Iowa Governor Terry Branstad is scheduled to testify next week at a trial in Des Moines. Branstad and two of his aides are accused of pressuring Chris Godfrey, the state's Workers Compensation Commission, to resign eight years ago because he's gay. Roxanne Conlin, Godfrey's attorney, said … [Read more...]
Branstad donates $1,000 to King’s GOP Primary opponent
Former Republican Governor Terry Branstad has donated to a Republican challenging Congressman Steve King's bid for reelection. Branstad and King had been long-time allies. Two of Branstad's top 2010 campaign staffers went on to help steer King's 2012 reelection. Now, Branstad has donated $1000 to … [Read more...]