Branstad picks Sen. Reynolds as running mate

Former Gov. Terry Branstad announced today that state Sen. Kim Reynolds, an Osceola Republican, is his choice for running mate in his bid for a fifth term as governor in November.

Reynolds, who served four terms as Clarke County treasurer, is half way through her first term in the Iowa Senate after winning election to the District 48 seat in 2008 -- which encompasses Adams, Clarke, Decatur, Montgomery, Ringgold, Taylor and Union counties. She also served as a member of the Iowa Public Employees Retirement System (IPERS) board as a Branstad appointee from 1996 to 2001.

Branstad, who won the 2010 GOP gubernatorial nomination by beating Bob Vander Plaats of Sioux City and Rod Roberts of Carroll, said he went through a thoughtful and deliberative process in finding the best possible choice for running mate.

Branstad, 63, a former lieutenant governor himself who also served four terms as governor from 1983 to 1999, said he expects delegates to the party's June 26 state convention will ratify his choice for lieutenant governor. Some Vander Plaats supporters have indicated they may enter his name into nomination for lieutenant governor during Saturday's GOP assemblage.

Steve Roberts, a GOP activist and former national committeeman from Des Moines, called Reynolds an excellent choice for lieutenant governor.

“She brings a lot to the table,” Roberts said. “She's been a local official, she's had experience running both at the local level and running for the Legislature and yet she isn't considered part of the establishment.”

That and her conservative credentials should satisfy Republicans who may have supported Branstad's rivals in the June 8 primary, he said.

In selecting a running mate, Branstad said he wanted someone who shared his conservative views on economic and social issues, as well as a person with leadership ability and a strong work ethic. Reynolds has a college degree in business administration and marketing and expertise in business development and government administration at the county level. She and her husband, Kevin, have three grown children and two grandchildren.

The newly formed GOP ticket will face the Democratic team of Gov. Chet Culver and Lt. Gov. Patty Judge in the Nov. 2 general election.

The Governor Branstad 2010 campaign made the initial announcement via text message prior to the start of today's fly-around tour that has scheduled stops in Ankeny, Council Bluffs, Sioux City, Clear Lake, Dubuque, Davenport and Cedar Rapids.