DES MOINES – A judge has rejected an appeal from former Iowa Governor Terry Branstad in a case where he retaliated against a man because he is gay, making it more likely Iowa taxpayers will be on the hook for up to $8 million.
Back in July, a jury awarded former Iowa Workers’ Compensation Commissioner Christopher Godfrey, who is openly gay, $1.5 million after Branstad slashed his salary years ago as he worked for the state. He was represented by Roxanne Conlin. Godfrey did eventually resign to take a job in Washington, DC as Chief Judge of the Appeal Board for Federal Workers Compensation.
This week, a judge rejected Branstad’s appeal in the case. Estimates of costs to the taxpayers to pay off the judgement, legal and other fees now stand at close to $8 million.
