BURLINGTON – In a race that seems to be getting less-close as the fall elections approach, Republican Governor Terry Brantad faced his Democratic opponent Jack Hatch in Burlington, Iowa middle school Saturday.
Jack Hatch brought up the Branstad scandals, saying “black lists, secret settlements, forced resignation… that’s not leadership. That’s not what Iowans value.” The Iowa Democratic party claimed at the same time Saturday that “The Branstad administration has had the most scandal ridden administration in Iowa history.”
Branstad struck back, accusing Hatch of supporting “tax credits that line his pockets.” Hatch is a Des Moines Senator and real estate developer.
Hatch hit Branstad on the minimum wage issue.
“Republicans believe in the minimum wage, as minimum as possible… no Iowan should have to work 40 hours and not be able to lift their life out of poverty,” Hatch proclaimed.
Iowa Dem’s say they want to “Build the economy from the middle up, not the top down”.
Branstad’s administration claims Hatch and Democratic Senators in the Legislature killed a minimum wage bill in 2014 and that under Branstad, the state’s unemployment rate has been reduced by 30%.
A recent Quinnipiac poll shows five-term Governor Branstad with a commanding 60-37 lead in the pre-election polls, and financial reports show Brantad with a huge lead in funds raised. Branstad has roughly $4 million in his campaign accounts while hatch hovers under $200,000.
Hatch said Saturday he was on his way to Northwood, next.