Influential group in GOP gets new line-up

Iowans for Tax Relief, an organization founded in 1978 by former Rep. David Stanley, issued a news release today to announce its new leaders.  No mention of Jeff Boeyink, a longtime ITR exec; nor is there mention of long-time lobbyist Cloyd Robinson although the ITR website lists Robinson as the group's vice chairman. The group has hired former Iowa Governor Terry Branstad's oldest son, Eric. (UPDATE:  ITR president Ed Failor, Junior, emailed this on 11/19:  "The release only addressed those who had changes in title.  Robbie will still be an important part of our lobbying team.") Read the release below.

IOWANS FOR TAX RELIEF ANNOUNCES NEW LEADERSHIP TEAM

MUSCATINE, IA— Iowans for Tax Relief announces position changes within the organization starting with Edward D. Failor, Jr. serving as President.  Failor has worked at Iowans for Tax Relief for the past 13 years, serving most recently as Executive Vice President, where he has helped to lead Iowans for Tax Relief to the leading taxpayer protection organization in Iowa with over 53,000 members.

Iowans for Tax Relief also announces the promotion of two to the position of Vice President.

Katie Koberg—Vice President, Iowans for Tax Relief

Koberg has worked for Iowans for Tax Relief for the past three years and is in charge of organizational political and policy activities.

Dan Steele—Vice President, Iowans for Tax Relief

Steele has worked for Iowans for Tax Relief for eight years and is in charge of all internal operations.

Iowans for Tax Relief announces three new additions to the team.  

Mary Earnhardt—Policy Director, Iowans for Tax Relief

Earnhardt has worked the past six years as the senior staff member of the House Republican Ways and Means Committee where she was responsible for analyzing all tax policy legislation.  Earnhardt will be responsible for policy formation and will serve as a lobbyist of the Iowa Legislature.

Eric Branstad – Development Director, Iowans for Tax Relief

Branstad has spent the past two years as an Account Manager with Lincoln Strategies Group, two years as Deputy Finance Director of the Republican Party of Iowa, and has a lifetime of knowledge in the political world.  Branstad will be responsible for organizational fundraising and membership growth.

Troy Skinner and Kellie Paschke—Contract lobbyists

Skinner and Paschke of the Skinner-Nielsen Law Firm in West Des Moines have joined the Iowans for Tax Relief lobbying team.  They will help educate and lobby members of the Iowa Legislature. 

“I am excited to have in place a team of successful and hard working people who care about protecting Iowa taxpayers.  Iowans for Tax Relief is stronger than ever and we will continue our mission to educate Iowans on the importance of reducing government spending and lowering taxes for all Iowans.  Iowa Legislators are faced with an immediate budget hole of $500 million before they even gavel in to begin a new year of work in the Statehouse.  While every family and business budget is feeling pinched we need our elected officials to cut spending, not continue the out of control spending practices of the past two years.  The best team in Iowa is in place and we are ready to go to work,” said Ed Failor, Jr., President of Iowans for Tax Relief.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
About O.Kay Henderson

O. Kay Henderson is the news director of Radio Iowa.