Tag: Terry Branstad

Iowa to Vote in 2024 on Gubernatorial Succession Amendment

The Center Square

The Iowa State Legislature referred a constitutional amendment to the 2024 ballot that would create a system of succession in the case of temporary or permanent disability of the governor. The amendment would provide that if the governor dies, resigns, or is removed from office, the lieutenant governor would assume the office of governor for the remainder of the term, thereby creating a vacancy in the office of lieutenant governor. Under the amendment, if the lieutenant governor assumed the office of governor, they would have the authority to appoint a new lieutenant governor.

Read the full story

Former Ambassador to China Terry Branstad Says Biden’s Handling of Spy Balloon a ‘Disaster’

M.D. Kittle

A former U.S. ambassador to China says President Joe Biden’s handling of the recent spy balloon affair has been a “disaster.” 

Ambassador Terry Branstad, former longtime Iowa governor and President Trump’s top diplomat in China, tells The Iowa Star the Chinese Communist Party “respects strength” and the only thing Biden has shown them is weakness. He said it’s the latest in a long line of foreign policy blunders by the administration. 

Read the full story

Police Reports: ‘Strange’ Man Threatened to Drive Jeep Into Kari Lake Event In Iowa

M.D. Kittle

The Iowa Star has learned that an unidentified man threatened to drive his Jeep into the suburban Des Moines venue where Arizona Republican gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake was holding a rally Saturday evening. 

The “scruffy and big” man, according to police incident reports obtained by The Star, “declared that he was god, and stated he would drive his vehicle through the bar doors.” 

Read the full story

Former Longtime Iowa Governor Terry Branstad Says DNC Will Live to Regret Caucus Decision

M.D. Kittle

The longest-serving governor in U.S. history says the Democratic National Committee made a huge mistake in turning its back on Iowa. 

Terry Branstad,  a Republican who served a record six terms as Iowa governor, tells The Iowa Star the DNC decision to cast aside the Hawkeye State’s preeminent position as host of the first-in-the-nation presidential caucuses will prove costly. 

Read the full story