Branstad campaign to comply with law after buying vehicles illegally

Gubernatorial candidate Terry Branstad's campaign illegally purchased two vehicles, violating a law he signed when he was governor in 1991.

One is a $52,000 Winnebago RV plastered with Branstad campaign logos. The other is a 2005 Pontiac minivan.

Iowa law bars campaigns from buying vehicles, requiring them to lease them instead. The law was enacted after Branstad bought a van from his campaign in 1990 for less than half its market value.

Charlie Smithson, director of the Iowa Ethics and Campaign Disclosure Board, said Thursday it was his mistake because he gave the campaign improper guidance.

Branstad spokesman Tim Albrecht says the campaign will make the necessary arrangements to comply with the law and continue to use the vehicles.