Iowa Democrats’ Political Stunt Falls Flat

Struggling to remain relevant, Iowa Democrats seem to have adopted political grandstanding as their new strategy. Democrat Attorney General Tom Miller recently announced that when current Iowa Governor Terry Branstad resigns upon his confirmation as U.S. Ambassador to China, and Iowa Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds becomes governor, she will have the full authority as governor, and hold the ability to appoint her own replacement. But today, Miller flip-flopped in an effort to gain media attention. Reporters should not be duped by Miller’s partisan political stunt.

Miller now tries to claim that Reynolds, once governor, won’t have the ability to appoint her own replacement, despite the law clearly stating she will: “An appointment by the governor to fill a vacancy in the office of lieutenant governor shall be for the balance of the unexpired term.” This comes after the Governor, Secretary of State, and Miller’s office all declared publicly that Reynolds would indeed have the authority to appoint a new lieutenant governor.

Unable to win at the ballot box, Iowa Democrats, led by Tom Miller, made this radical attempt to mislead in hopes of sowing confusion and doubt. But despite his failed efforts, Kim Reynolds will be the state’s next governor and she will govern with proper authority. To try and deny Iowa’s first female governor the same authority and rights as every governor before her, is a very poor and reckless decision by Iowa Democrats.

Background

In December, Attorney General Tom Miller’s Office Stated That Reynolds Would Have The Authority To Appoint Her Replacement As LG. “Our office has researched the law and consulted with the governor’s office. We concur with the governor’s conclusion that, upon the resignation of Gov. Branstad, Lt. Gov. Reynolds will become governor and will have the authority to appoint a new lieutenant governor,’ attorney general spokesman Geoff Greenwood said in an emailed statement.” (Erin Murphy, “Reynolds Will Be Governor With Full Authority, State Officials Say,” Quad-City Times, 12/13/2016)

Iowa’s Governor, Secretary of State and Attorney General All Agreed Reynolds Would Hold The Authority To Appoint Her Replacement. “The offices of the governor, attorney general and secretary of state, say they have determined that once Branstad resigns, Reynolds will become governor, complete with all the position’s authority, including the ability to name a new lieutenant governor.” (Erin Murphy, “Reynolds Will Be Governor With Full Authority, State Officials Say,” Quad-City Times, 12/13/2016)

In 2009, Iowa Clarified Its Vacancy Laws, And Made It Clear That The Governor Has The Ability To Appoint A New Lieutenant Governor To Fill A Vacancy. “An appointment by the governor to fill a vacancy in the office of lieutenant governor shall be for the balance of the unexpired term.” (Iowa Code 2017, Section 69.8)