TheIowaRepublican.com is reporting former Republican gubernatorial candidate Bob Vander Plaats — the chair of the “Iowa for Freedom” group which led the campaign to oust three Iowa Supreme Court justices — has been hired by the Iowa Family Policy Center’s Board. I’ve left a message for IFPC board chairman Danny Carroll and a spokesman for IFPC says he’s been asked not to speak with the media about IFPC’s “reorganization”.
I asked Vander Plaats last Tuesday night (Election Night) what he intended to do in the future after the successful campaign against retaining the judges, and he said: “I plan on having a voice.” Vander Plaats then volunteered that he was going to Colorado this week, for a Focus on the Family event.
Chuck Hurley, president of the Iowa Family Policy Center, released this written statement to Radio Iowa today, neither confirming nor denying Vander Plaats is working at IFPC:
“In response to your media inquiry, I want to let you know that Bob Vander Plaats and his wife Darla are enjoying some out-of-state r & r after last week’s huge win. All of us at IFPC/IFPCA are VERY pleased with last week’s electoral successes, are optimistic about restoring conservative values and policies, and look forward to great things, including an informative and inspiring “Celebrate the Family” event with 2008 caucus winner Mike Huckabee at 3 pm Nov. 21 at First Federated Church in Des Moines. All announcements about Bob’s role with us will be made during or before that event.
“We’ve been very blessed over almost 14 years of civic involvement and family ministry, and greatly appreciate Mr. Vander Plaat’s past, present, and future friendship! Thanks for your interest.”
Bryan English, director of public relations and outreach for the IFPC, is gone. English’s (former) cell phone is now being answered by someone else at IFPC. Mike Hartwig, the long-time vice president of the Iowa Family Policy Center, is no longer part of the organization’s phone tree either.
About O.Kay Henderson
Kay is a founding member of the Radio Iowa network newsroom. In 1994, she became the network’s news director. She’s a featured reporter and commentator on Iowa Public Television’s “Iowa Press,” and the 2002 recipient of the Shelley Award.
I find that strange that a non-profit organization would dodge inquiries about whether someone has been hired on staff. He either is or he isn’t drawing a salary at IFPC. Seems like a silly thing to be secretive about.