Kim Reynolds says she’s ‘excited’ to become governor

By Erin Murphy, Gazette-Lee Des Moines Bureau

DES MOINES - In her first public remarks since news broke that she will become Iowa's next governor, Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds said Thursday she is excited for the opportunity.

Reynolds, who had been out of the state this week on a family vacation, returned a after she learned she'll be promoted when Gov. Terry Branstad becomes the U.S. ambassador to China next year in the Trump administration.

Reynolds was to attend President-elect Donald Trump's Thursday night rally in Des Moines, the governor's office staff said, but she did not make remarks.

WOI-TV in Des Moines interviewed Reynolds at the airport.

'I am excited to have the opportunity to continue serving Iowans in this capacity,” Reynolds told the TV station.

In a brief interview, Reynolds said serving as Branstad's lieutenant has prepared her.

'I've had the opportunity to work alongside Gov. Branstad for six years now, and I've had the opportunity to learn from the best governor in the nation, the longest-serving governor in the nation, and it really has prepared me well to assume the next responsibility and continue leading Iowans,” she said.

Reynolds will take over as governor at a time when Republicans for the first time in 20 years control the state's lawmaking agenda: in addition to having a Republican in the governor's office, the GOP has majorities in the Iowa House and Senate.

Republican Speaker of the House Linda Upmeyer said she expects a smooth transition from Branstad to Reynolds. Because Branstad cannot start his new job until after Trump is inaugurated and he is confirmed by the U.S. Senate, that transition could take place during the 2017 legislative session.

'Certainly, she has her own ideas, certainly she has her own priorities but I think it will be a smooth transition and not a lot of surprises,” Upmeyer said.