Findley to be Branstad’s lawyer

Brenna Findley, the Republican Party’s unsuccessful candidate for attorney general this year, will be Governor-elect Terry Branstad’s legal counsel.  The post does not require confirmation by the Iowa Senate.  The appointment raises questions about whether Branstad, via Findley’s legal work, may in some way join the lawsuit other states’ attorney generals have filed challenging the federal health care reform law.   (The lawsuit which made news yesterday was filed solely by Virginia’s attorney general.  There’s another suit which has been filed by a group of attorneys general.)

Branstad spokesman Tim Albrecth sent this statement via email when asked whether Findley’s appointment meant Branstad intends to pursue that path:

“Gov. Branstad believes the federal health care law is unconstitutional, and will look at all of the options at our disposal while he studies this issue during the transitional phase.”

Read the Branstad Transition Team announcement about Findley below.

Branstad announces Brenna Findley as administration’s legal counsel

(URBANDALE) – Gov.-elect Terry Branstad today announced that Brenna Findley will serve as legal counsel in the Branstad/Reynolds administration.

“Brenna Findley has a talented, sharp legal mind and her knowledge and work ethic will be valued in my administration,” said Branstad. “Her work in private sector, combined with her extensive governmental experience at the federal level, provides a strong framework to serve as legal counsel in my administration.”

Findley, 34, is from Dexter, and a graduate of Drake University, with B.A. in Political Science and History, and a minor in Russian. From there, Findley went on to earn her law degree at the University of Chicago Law School, where she served as symposium editor of the school’s law journal. Additionally, she helped entrepreneurs on Chicago’s south side start their own businesses.

Upon graduation, she worked in private practice prior to serving as chief of staff to Congressman Steve King, R-Kiron. Findley is currently counsel in private practice with Whitaker Hagenow GBMG.

“I’m excited to serve in a meaningful way, helping find solutions for the state by serving in the Branstad-Reynolds administration, and I look forward to serving the people of Iowa in this position,” said Findley. “I share the governor’s commitment to open, honest and transparent government, and will work every day to ensure the goals of this administration are met.”