DES MOINES – Gov. Kim Reynolds issued the following statement on Wednesday following a vote by Iowa Senate Republicans to elect new leadership. Sen. Jack Whitver is the new Senate Majority Leader, Sen. Charles Schneider is the new Senate President, Sen. Amy Sinclair is the new Majority Whip and Sen. Jake Chapman is the new Assistant Majority Leader.
“I want to congratulate Leader Whitver, President Schneider, Majority Whip Sinclair and Assistant Leader Chapman for being chosen by their peers.
“I look forward to working with them to continue the important work of building a better Iowa and unleashing opportunity for all Iowans.”
Iowa Republican Senator leader Bill Dix resigned after a relationship with a lobbyist was exposed, leading to the leadership changes.
Democrats responded Wednesday to the leadership announcement from Republicans:
Statement from Senate Democratic Leader Janet Petersen
“In the wake of Senator Dix’s resignation, Senators Whitver and Schneider have an obligation to finally get it right and change a culture at the Iowa Capitol that is currently putting lobbyists, special interests, and political arrogance ahead of the interests of Iowa families.
“Senators Whitver and Schneider should finally take responsibility for the sexual harassment, discrimination and retaliation against former Senate Republican staffer Kirsten Anderson by Republican Senators and staff. After footing the bill for a $1.75 million settlement in Kirsten Anderson’s lawsuit against Senate Republicans, Iowa taxpayers deserve nothing less.
“Iowa taxpayers’ dollars should have never been used as a slush fund to cover the cost of sexual harassment by Senate Republicans. Senators Whitver and Schneider should turn over all campaign funds raised by Senator Dix to begin to cover the costs of the illegal behavior by their caucus.”
