Des Moines, Iowa — Governor Terry Branstad is pushing back on Senator Johnson’s idea the attorney general needs to weigh in on the proper transfer of power when he resigns to become an ambassador.
Branstad is President Trump’s pick to be the next ambassador to China. The only independent in the legislature says the state constitution seems unclear on whether Lieutenant Governor Kim Reynolds gets the title of governor once Branstad leaves. State Senator David Johnson of Ocheyedan has asked Iowa’s attorney general to issue a written opinion about the matter, including whether Reynolds will have the authority to choose a NEW lieutenant governor. Branstad says it’s not necessary because legislators passed a law on that a few years ago.
Branstad’s communications director issued a written statement last week, accusing Senator Johnson of “political grandstanding” by raising questions about what executive authority Reynolds may have when Branstad resigns.
Johnson serves Lyon, Osceola, Dickinson, Clay, and Palo Alto counties.
