State House hopeful returns 'dirty money' that wasn't meant for him

Democratic candidate David Johnson said he would lose sleep at night if he helped big business gain influence in the Iowa Legislature, which is why he promptly returned a $200 check from the DuPont chemical company.

However, it appeared to be a case of mistaken identity: the check wasn't meant for the Iowa State House candidate and West Branch city councilman. It was actually addressed to "Senator David Johnson," of Senate District 3.

Regardless, councilman Johnson's response on Facebook has circulated among more than 130 readers online, cheering his response to DuPont, which said he finds "corporate influence on elected officials quite distasteful."

"It was a simple administrative error," said Communications Manager Julie Kenney with DuPont's seed company, Pioneer Hi-Bred, located in Johnston. "It was meant for the senator," she added, noting that Senator David Johnson was the former agricultural chair and has received contributions from DuPont in the past.

Sen. Johnson explained he was born and raised in West Branch, which is likely where DuPont's Good Government Fund Committee confused names and addresses.

"Pioneer Hi-Bred is a great Iowa company," Sen. Johnson said. "It roots very deep on the economy."

The 46-year-old West Branch City Councilman said he doesn't like it when elected officials are steered by higher authorities. In fact, it's been his whole spiel in his "short-political life," he said.

"They like to hedge their bets and gain influence in the State House," he said of corporations, adding he has no doubt they will be sending checks to other candidates.

Kenney noted that DuPont supports candidates on both sides of the aisle.

"And this is fairly routine," she said.

Councilman Johnson has one month left with West Branch City Council, and is now running for the a seat in the 73rd House District.

He said he will be returning DuPont's check immediately.

"As I'm sure [that] you'll be needing the senator's vote on some future bill," he wrote in his post.