Branstad's First News Conference

I tuned in this morning to watch Gov. Terry Branstad's first weekly Statehouse news conference. These were a staple of Branstad's last stint in office, but fell out of favor with the Democrats who followed.

There was Branstad, standing in front of that blue conference room curtain, taking questions. One of the many time machine moments we've been having lately.

It was Branstad's first real business day at the helm, and yet, it seemed like it was still all about the former occupant, Chet Culver.

Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds talked a lot about phasing out the Rebuild Iowa Office (Culver's) and how to deal with $84 million in midyear budget cuts dropped in their laps by, you guessed it, Culver. They're also reviewing a bunch of new hires made by, you-know-who, as he departed.

Somewhere, sitting in his bathrobe, watching Regis and Kelly, Culver chuckled for no apparent reason.

"I'm sorry about the way things have been mismanaged," Branstad said, in a tone sort of like when unexpected guests drop in and the house is a wreck. "I came here to correct this mess."

Branstad said much of the $84 million in cuts aimed at corrections and human services may need to be abandoned in the interest of "health and safety." But when asked if community colleges would have to live with their $6 million cut, Branstad said "Yes."

Above all else, Branstad pledged to be "thoughtful." He used the word at least a half-dozen times. Getting rid of RIO will be  "thoughtful and systematic." His review of Culver's hirings will be "careful and thoughtful." He is taking a "thoughtful approach" to building his budget plan, due Jan. 27.

Nobody this thoughtful has any business in politics. Branstad should have gone to work for Hallmark, perhaps, writing cards.  "I know the last governor hired you, but I'm a afraid the new one must fire you. Sorry." That sort of thing.

Although Branstad sees Culver's midyear cuts as reckless, he is very "appreciative" of a House Republican bill cutting a whole bunch of other stuff this year, including state-funded preschool etc. He sidestepped questions on whether he truly appreciates everything in the GOP bill. He wants the legislative process to take its course.

There's a

public hearing on the GOP cuts tonight in the House chamber.