Branstad on gay marriage

Last night I put up phase one of my Wednesday afternoon interview with former Governor Terry Branstad.  Now, here’s phase two, a focus on what Branstad had to say on the subject of same-sex marriage.

On November 7, Branstad said in a speech at a GOP fundraiser that the legislature should let the people of Iowa vote on an amendment to the state constitution which would ban gay marrriage here. Branstad, as you may know, also issued a written statement through his campaign spokesman this week, saying he favors “traditional” marriage.  Branstad will be asked about this issue on the campaign trail, as rival Bob Vander Plaats has said the 2010 election should be a referendum on gay marriage and Vander Plaats has promised that, if elected, he would issue an executive order to try to override the Supreme Court ruling that legalized gay marriage.  So I asked Branstad, specifically:  what are your views on gay marriage and what does he think is the appropriate response to the court decision?

“Well, first of all, I signed the law which established marriage as a contract between one man and one woman,” Branstad said. “That’s what I think it should be.  I think the court’s decision was wrong. I think the people should have an opportunity to vote on a constitutional amendment to override that court decision and 31 states have had that opportunity and every one of them — from Maine to California — has passed it…The legislature needs to authorize it and the citizens should have an opportunity to vote on it.  I feel very strongly that the people should have a chance to vote on it.”

Next, we had a discussion about former Lieutenant Governor Joy Corning (Branstad’s running mate in 1990 and 1994) and her “robocall” in support of same-sex marriage as well as a general discussion about the Republican Party and its view on gay marriage.

Read more

Branstad hears “bigger calling”

I was going to “live blog” former Governor Terry Branstad’s news conference at Des Moines University earlier this afternoon, but my cell card wouldn’t work.  Instead, I’ll be posting my notes far below, but FIRST, here’s what happened right after someone said,”Last question,” reporters Dave Price of WHO-TV and Tom Beaumont of The Des Moines Register asked questions and Branstad thanked the assembled media folk for coming.

Branstad then walked over and asked if he could hold Bridget, his six-month-old grandchild.  Photos were taken.  Tape rolled.  Bridgett did not make a statement.

There was a rush to get microphones in front of Branstad’s wife, Chris.  I was late arriving after disconnecting from the sound system and unable to get anything usable, other than to notice her husband waded in to sort of deflect the questions and attention from his wife.

The media huddle nearly dispersed.  Branstad and a reporter were joking about one of Branstad’s old bromides:  the only poll that counts is the one they take on Election Day.

Kathie Obradovich of The Des Moines Register opined: “This stuff comes back pretty naturally, doesn’t it?”

Branstad replied, at first, in the negative.  “No, I still have a lot to learn but that’s the great thing about life,” Branstad said.  “I never imagined in my wildest dreams that I’d be in this position, but I look at it as, it’s an adventure, an opportunity and I love the state and I’m to go out, you know, and talk to a lot of Iowans and get their ideas.  I certainly have some thoughts of my own of where we can go.”

I asked Branstad if he had promised his wife that she would not have to move into Terrace Hill if he wins a fifth term so she could, instead, stay in what Branstad himself describes as a “beautiful log home” near Boone.  “That’s our retreat,” Branstad said, with a laugh.

“Like Camp David,” Obradovich said.

“Well, let me say this:  we have two grandchildren that live here in West Des Moines and that’s actually closer to Terrace Hill,” Branstad replied.

Emily Price of KCCI jumped in to ask Branstad about the nature of the discussions he’d had with his wife about running.

“Well, we’ve had several family discussions and, you know, we love each other.  We have been through a lot together and I’m very appreciative and understanding of my wife and she is even more understanding of me and so I feel that, yeah, there are some challenges ahead of us, but there’s, I also look at it as an exciting adventure and a new chapter of our life and we’ve been able to do some wonderful things together and I just know that this is something that we can do that responds to a concern and a need that a lot of Iowans see.”

Christine Paladino of WOI-TV asked: “Did you think about running for a few years or was this pretty recent?”

Branstad: “No, no.  This all happened in the last few months.” Branstad started to walk away from reporters, toward his wife who was holding baby Bridget/their grandchild.

“Are you going to nominate (Chris) for the Nobel Peace Prize?” I asked as Branstad walked away.

Branstad turned to face me (and the cameras) just as he reached his wife.  “I don’t know,” Branstad said, breaking into a huge smile. “They give those things out pretty easy.”  The Branstad family laughed together over that one.

If you want to listen to Branstad’s 22 minute long news conference, click here — that’s also the Radio Iowa story.  Below are my typewritten notes from the news conference.

Read more

Branstad announcement @ 1pm Friday

A news release issued moments ago by Des Moines University indicates DMU president Terry Branstad, the former, four-term Iowa governor, will make an announcement at 1 p.m. Friday.

“Des Moines University President Terry E. Branstad will make an announcement related to his future with the University. He will take questions,” the media release says.

After the details of the when and where…the news release continues with this:

STORY: Former Iowa Governor Terry E. Branstad has been president and CEO of Des Moines University since August 2003. He was the 14th president in the University’s 111-year history.
###
Des Moines University is the only private medical school in Iowa, offering graduate-level, professional degree programs in osteopathic medicine, podiatric medicine, physical therapy, physician assistant studies, anatomy, biomedical sciences, health care administration and public health. Founded in 1898, the institution offers superior academics in a collaborative environment. DMU students’ pass rate on national examinations and board certifications is consistently higher than the national average and the rates at similar institutions. For more information, please visit www.dmu.edu.

Another Branstad sign: a campaign manager

Former Governor Terry Branstad has a campaign manager, should he decide to run for a fifth term.   It’s Jeff Boeyink, a former Iowans for Tax Relief executive who has been serving as executive director of the Republican Party of Iowa for the past eight months.  UPDATE: I just spoke with Richard Schwarm, Branstad’s former law partner and the fellow heading up the “Terry Branstad 2010 Committee.”  Here’s a transcript of our conversation: 

Henderson:  “I don’t think a fellow would resign from his job if he didn’t think he was landing a sort-of full time gig.  Is this the signal here?

Schwarm:  “Well, the statement pretty much speaks for itself, but I think individuals could certainly draw the conclusion that you have.”

Henderson: “Why Jeff?”

Schwarm:  “Well, if the governor, if Governor Branstad decides he is going to run, part of what I and others were looking for were the best people to be involved in his campaign, along with other things.  Jeff is a great talent in Iowa, long experience, great individual, was very — is a great catch.  We visited with him and had no idea if he would take it and he has agreed to step into this role and we’re very pleased.”

Henderson:  “When you say ‘we’ and ‘we are’ — who do you mean?”

Schwarm: (Laugh) Terry Branstad 2010 Committee, the exploratory committee. (Laugh)

Henderson: “It seems odd that someone would sign on without having talked to Governor Branstad himself.  Has Governor Branstad signed off on this hire?”

Schwarm:  “Governor Branstad is aware of the hire.”

Henderson: “So, where are you in this process?  Is an announcement imminent or within 24, 48 hours?”

Schwarm:  “It’s not my role to give that information.”

Henderson: “Is there anything else our listeners need to know about this moment?”

Schwarm:  “I think that the statement needs to speak for itself.”

‘Tis hard for written statements to speak on the radio, as you may know.  Read the written statement Schwarm emailed this morning below.

Jeffrey Boeyink named to head Terry Branstad 2010 Committee

            Richard Schwarm today announced the hiring of Jeffrey Boeyink to lead the Terry Branstad 2010 Committee as it continues to explore a possible gubernatorial run by former Iowa Governor Terry Branstad.

            Schwarm said, “This is the next natural step in our exploratory process as we move from a volunteer effort to the acquisition of professional staff and financial resources to take Terry Branstad 2010 to the next level of effectiveness.”

            Boeyink has served as Executive Director of the Republican Party of Iowa (RPI) since last February and resigned yesterday to accept this new position.  Prior to joining RPI, Boeyink served as President of Iowans for Tax Relief where he worked for more than two decades.

            Schwarm also noted, “This appointment does not signal any change in Terry Branstad’s status as a potential gubernatorial candidate.   He continues in his role at Des Moines University and will make his plans known at a future date.”

UPDATE — a statement from the Iowa GOP: Chairman Strawn Comments on Executive Director’s Resignation

Des Moines, IA – Republican Party of Iowa Chairman Matt Strawn issued the following statement after the resignation of Executive Director Jeff Boeyink:

“I hope all Iowa Republicans join me in thanking Jeff for a job well done. The Iowa GOP is better off because of his service and tireless advocacy for principled, conservative government. I’m personally grateful for his wisdom and guidance and wish him well.”

Governor’s news conference: tune in again Thursday

UPDATE:  Scroll to the bottom of this story for a link to the 23-minute-long mp3 of this news conference.

It’s 2:55 p.m.   I’m sitting in the governor’s office, in what’s called the Kennedy Conference Room, awaiting Governor Chet Culver’s arrival to reveal his reaction to today’s Revenue Estimating Conference.  The three-member panel reduced their guess of Fiscal Year 2010 tax revenue by nearly $415 million.  

The full crew of statehouse reporters are assembled for the event.  There are five TV cameras in the back of the room to record it. 

Culver walked in the room at about 3:17 p.m.  “Hello,” he said, before striding to the lectern, opening by saying Iowa is suffering from the impact of the national recession. “The great recession was caused by bad policies in Washington and bad practices on Wall Street,” Culver said.  “…Today’s projected decline of 8.4 percent means state government will now have $414 million less to spend.”

Culver said the Department of Management would recast the state budget, based on the new estimate of state tax revenue. “l will review these new budget figures….Tomorrow afternoon at two o’clock, I will have a news conference to announce the specific steps I need to take,” Culver said.

What are your options?

“Every option is on the table.  Obviously, across the board cuts of up to 8.4 percent is an option, a special session is an option,” he said.

Read more

Revenue Estimating Conference: Iowa taxes down $415 million

UPDATE:  Scroll to the bottom of this story to listen to an mp3 of the entire 23 minute meeting.

It is 12:55 p.m. on a Wednesday and people are slowly filling up the Supreme Court Chamber in the Iowa  Statehouse.  The ornate room has been converted into a meeting room and the Revenue Estimating Conference is scheduuled to meet at 1 p.m.  The three-member panel will set its official estimate of state tax collections for the current budgeting year.  It’s likely the governor will order an across-the-board cut afterwards, the depth of which will be determined by the estimate this three-member panel decides upon.

As blogged about yesterday, the three members of the panel are Legislative Services Agency director Holly Lyons; Department of Management director Dick Oshlo (the governor’s representative on the panel) and David Underwood, who recently retired from a firm in Mason City where he served as chief financial officer.

At 12:58 p.m., the governor’s staff sent out an advisory via email.  The governor will hold a news conference at 3 p.m. this afternoon to “react” to the decision made by the Revenue Estimating Conference.

Each seat is now full.  Phil Roeder, the governor’s deputy chief of staff, is standing in the back of the room, within arm’s length of a seated Chris Rants, one of the Republican candidates for governor.

The meeting opened with Oshlo being elected chairman of the panel and minutes of the March 20, 2009 meeting were approved by voice vote. 

“Obviously these are difficult economic times for the stsate and based on recent events….we have to review the current numbers and see if there are any revisions,” Oshlo said. 

Lyons said there is a “significant and severe recession not just for Iowa but for all states.  Since last year there’s been a loss of 50,000 jobs…unemployment is slowing, but likely to remain high….November of 2008 was the last month we saw true, positive revenue growth….Consumer confidence remains uncertain.”

Lyons quoted a report suggesting holiday sales will be one percent lower than last year.

Lyons said federal economic stimulus money was being spent in Iowa, but “the good news is that we haven’t felt the effects of the stimulus and the I-JOBS spending yet.”

Suggesting the next nuggett came from “the misery loves company department,” Lyons cited National Conference of State Legislatures data, indicating:  “state governments will face severe budget problems for 12-24 months after the recession ends.”

Underwood said “all of us” had been surprised by the “depth of job loss” in Iowa.  “None of the national forecasts came even close to the 50,000 level for Iowa…The impact to Iowa’s revenue…is probably somewhere in the $80 to $100 million range.”

“…Corporate profits continue to be an issue…I think that’s going to be a reality for us…profits are going to be down.”

Oshlo began speaking, focusing on corporate tax payments, saying the decline in September “was alarming.”  He is a low talker and people in the back of the room, including yours truly, cannot hear all of what he is saying.

Underwood takes the floor again.  He’s preparing to “resolve” the differences in estimates from the legislative and executive branches.  “It’s probably somewhere in the midst of these two,” he adds.

Lyons makes a motion, to reduce the personal income tax refund estimate in Oshlo’s estimate (the governor’s numbers) by about $32 million.  That’s the first reduction (with more to come) and it passes.  It means the TOTAL reduction is in the neighborhood of $414.9 million according to the math-proficient Lynn Campbell of IowaPolitics.com who is sitting to my left.  We’ll double-check with the mumbling people up front after the meeting concludes.  (UPDATE:  It was, indeed, $414.9 million.  That represents a reduction of a little more than seven percent.)

Read more

Branstad (sort of) in

Branstad pal Richard Schwarm told The Des Moines Register that paperwork is being filed today, creating an exploratory committee so (boosters of) former Governor Terry Branstad may begin raising money to run for governor.  (UPDATE:  Here’s the Radio Iowa story. Schwarm emailed me the news release at 9:53 a.m. Read it far below.)

The timing of today’s announcement is weird.  You would think on a day when more bad news will be heaped on the desk of the current Democratic governor, Chet Culver, that Republican candidates of the already-announced to the not-quite-announced variety would let that be the political news of the day rather than try to compete with it.

Sandra (Sandy) Greiner, the former state legislator who has been heading up the “Draft Branstad” PAC issued a statement at 7:19 a.m. today.  No one is answering the phone at the “Draft Branstad” headquarters in Des Moines.  A message left on the machine there has not been returned.  Greiner called me back at 10:25. Read Greiner’s written statement below.

Des Moines, Iowa — Today, Governor Terry Branstad filed papers to form an exploratory committee, the next step in weighing a run for governor of Iowa in 2010.

“Today is a great day for future generations of Iowans as Governor Branstad takes the next step toward deciding to run for Governor of Iowa. Since I began this effort several weeks ago, I have heard from people all across this state who want real, experienced leadership during these tough economic times and like me, they believe Governor Branstad is the best person for this job,” said Sandy Greiner.

Greiner continued, “Iowans have spoken, and Governor Branstad has listened. The Draft Branstad campaign generated support from Iowans young and old, who are looking to the future of Iowa and I am pleased to say your work has payed off as Governor Branstad takes the next step to run for governor. However, it is not time to stop recruiting. It is time to speak louder and recruit harder.”

Draft Branstad PAC will continue its effort to recruit Gov. Branstad to run for Governor of Iowa in 2010 with a petition, social networking efforts and a Young Iowans for Drafting Branstad event this week. Information for all of these can be found at www.DraftBranstad.com

UPDATE:  Here’s the news release on the Branstad Committee.  (Here are the documents which Schwarm filed electronically.)

Terry Branstad 2010 Exploratory Committee Is Formed 

Richard Schwarm, long time friend of Terry Branstad, announced that an exploratory Campaign Committee has been formed on Terry Branstad’s behalf.  The purpose of the Committee is to continue to explore the availability of support and resources for a possible Branstad candidacy for Governor in 2010.   Mary Vermeer Andringa, President and Chief Executive Officer of Vermeer Corporation, Pella, Iowa, is the Committee Chair.
 Schwarm stated, “Iowa campaign law requires the formation of an initial Statement of Organization to be filed within 10 days of a committee’s incurring indebtedness exceeding $750.00.  That threshold has now been reached and the Statement of Organization has been filed with the Iowa Ethics & Campaign Disclosure Board today.” 

 Schwarm also noted, “Terry Branstad has not made a decision on what he will do.   He remains focused on his responsibilities as President of Des Moines University.”

 

An unnamed, well-known Democrat to challenge Grassley?

Iowa Democratic Party chairman Michael Kiernan is the guest on this weekend’s edition of “Iowa Press” on Iowa Public Television. During this morning’s taping, Kiernan made this declaration:

“Doug Gross has gone and pulled out of retirement Terry Branstad to run for governor so it got a lot of Democrats thinking, including myself, ‘Maybe it’s time,’ — and I’ll put this in a football analogy since my counterpart (the chairman of the Republican Party of Iowa) owns a football team, that ‘Maybe it’s time to get a first-round draft pick.’ I’m going to tell you here today that Chuck Grassley is going to be in for the race of his life.”

Kiernan would not give clues as to who. As for when the person would announce their intentions to seek the Democratic Party’s 2010 U.S. Senate nomination, Kiernan said it would be after former Governor Terry Branstad announces whether he’s going to seek a fifth term

I’m writing for our air now. Will be back with more later. UPDATE: Radio Iowa story, with more quotes and more detail.