DES MOINES – Progress Iowa and the Iowa Accountability Project today released a new report showing Governor Terry Branstad has received $791,277.78 in campaign contributions from 215 of his political appointees.
The report is a comprehensive review of more than 1,300 appointments Governor Branstad has made since taking office. The report found that nearly 1 out of every 6 appointees had donated to Governor Branstad’s campaign.
“The campaign donations highlighted in this report show that Governor Branstad has put the interests of his donors ahead of Iowans,” said Matt Sinovic s. “It also demonstrates that Governor Branstad’s fundraising comes at the direct expense of open and transparent government.”
Governor Branstad’s largest individual donor, Bruce Rastetter, received an appointment to the Iowa Board of Regents. His brother Brent, another major donor, was appointed to the Iowa Environmental Protection Commission. Together they have donated more than $250,000 to Governor Branstad’s campaign. Governor Branstad’s second largest donor, Mary Andringa, who has donated more than $90,000, was appointed to the Science Technology Engineering and Math Advisory Council.
Pete Brownell, who has donated nearly $40,000 was given an appointment to the state Economic Development Authority Board. Conrad Clement donated $34,130.00 and received an appointment to the Natural Resource Commission. Diane Crookham-Johnson donated $32,500 and was appointed to the State Board of Education.
“The boards and commissions that Governor Branstad is appointing play a significant role in determining policies that impact Iowans’ health and well-being,” Sinovic said. “It is irresponsible to play political games at the expense of Iowa families.”
