DES MOINES – Amidst the state’s growing budget crisis, Gov. Reynolds stands by her decision to use $2.2 million of Iowa’s general funds to pay for damages owed after a sexual harassment lawsuit against Iowa Senate Republicans. In response, candidate for governor, Dr. Andy McGuire issued the following statement:
“After helping to create a projected $350 million budget shortfall, Gov. Reynolds is forcing taxpayers to pay for a $2.2 million sexual harassment lawsuit. That’s just wrong. Iowa Republicans and the Branstad/Reynolds administration have mismanaged Iowa’s budget for years with corporate tax giveaways and alliances with special interest groups. Now, she’s asking hard-working Iowans for money to bail out her fellow Republicans. How about some common sense. The politicians who committed the wrong, should pay for their misdeeds — rather than sticking it to Iowa taxpayers.”
“Gov. Reynolds said this morning at her weekly press conference that there is money in Iowa’s budget to meet this ‘obligation’. Gov. Reynolds and I disagree on the definition of the obligations of Iowa taxpayers. Iowans are not obligated to foot the bill for politicians’ misconduct. The entire state should not have to pay for the Iowa Senate Republicans and their bad behavior. That’s $2.2 million dollars that could be used to combat Iowa’s growing mental health crisis or fund our schools. By using money from the general funds to pay for a lawsuit settlement not only sets a dangerous precedent, it sends a clear message to Iowans. Gov. Reynolds cares more about winning elections and cleaning up the mess within her own party than what is in the best interests of everyday Iowans.
“I believe in putting people and principles above party. That’s the kind of governor I want to be, and that’s the kind of governor Iowans deserve.”
Background: Last month, former Iowa Senate Republican caucus staffer, Kirsten Anderson was awarded $2.2 million in damages after winning a lawsuit that exposed sexual harassment and misconduct within the Iowa Senate Republican caucus. Shortly after the decision, Gov. Reynolds confirmed that the $2.2. million dollars would be paid with Iowa’s general funds, i.e. taxpayers.
***McGuire was born in Waterloo, Iowa – the daughter of a World War II veteran and a hard-working mother in a family of eight. McGuire is the mother of seven children and raised a family while training to be a doctor. As a medical director, she focused on preventive care, including vaccinations and prenatal checks.***
Democrat = DOWNFALL OF AMERICA !
Orange Anonymous = Dumbass Idiot
Sheeple that align themselves with one political party = downfall of America!
Very well put
Uneducated, Brainwashed, Kool-Aid drinkers like yourself are what is wrong with this country.
I’ll bet this writer is a Trump troll. Rule #1 Find platforms where the Trump dialogue is accepted Rule #2 – write incendiary letters blaming the Democrats for everything…even 9/11. Rule #3 – keep posting the same b.s. daily so you really rile up the sane ones Rule #4 – Don’t respond directly to any post that asks for confirmation or information Rule #5 Insult everybody.
Suit was brought forward by the democraps – they will do anything for money and to destroy America.
You are one seriously freakin’ dumbass.
As usual with you, you are pulling BS out of your ass, which is impressive considering that that is where your head resides.
The woman that brought forth the sexual harassment suit, Kirsten Anderson is a Republican that worked as the communication director for the Republican caucus.
My God man, you are one seriously f*cked up idiot.
Funny thing is the Republicans claim this guy as one of their own!
Thanks for the wisdom, Republicrook. What taxes are you cheating on today?
Lipstick on a pig. Gov Bumsteads personal nurse is her only qualification.
A yes the Republicans, the so called “party of personal responsibility” is pretty apt at avoiding responsibility.
This is pure bullshit.
It needs to come out of the GOP caucus funding.
Way to screw over taxpayers.
Reynolds is a twit and not capable of much of anything. She was just a piece of fluff at Branstad’s side.
The slippery slope of politics is awash in self preservation coupled with greed. That being said the United States is one kick ass place to live. Too many haters out there that just don’t have a clue how good life really is under our government.
Wow, that’s pretty sad that the Republicans are using Iowa tax dollars to pay for their sexual-harassment misconducts.
Could one of you Republicans please try and justify this for a us??
We don’t seem to see any of the Kool-Aid drinkers lining up to justify this one!
Fiscal responsibility was one of her campaign highlights. It should be on the people responsible for the harassment, not Iowans.