Report: Branstad targeted search for department heads

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) - The majority of Republican Gov. Terry Branstad's new department directors were hired after being the only person Branstad recruited and interviewed.

The Des Moines Register reports that all but one of Iowa's 24 new department directors were tabbed through a highly targeted search.

Many of the new directors also have direct political ties to the governor, and some have little experience in the subject areas their departments oversee.

The directors hired by former Democratic governors Tom Vilsack and Chet Culver also had a wide range of experience and the influence of political connections.

But aides to Culver and Vilsack say several people were interviewed for those positions.

Branstad says he sought out candidates he thought would be the best for the job.