New Culver ad hits Branstad’s 8 pay hikes

Gov. Chet Culver's re-election campaign unveiled a new ad June 22 accusing former Gov. Terry Branstad of putting himself ahead of the state's financial interests by raising his pay eight times during 16 years in office.

“When Terry Branstad couldn't pay the state of Iowa's bills, he put himself first and gave himself a raise,” said Ali Glisson, campaign spokeswoman for the first-term Democrat.

According to the Culver campaign, Branstad, a four-term Republican, gave himself a pay raise in 1983, despite record unemployment. In 1987, he cut foster care but Branstad still gave himself a pay raise. In 1990, Branstad had to borrow $280 million to pay the state's bills but he still gave himself another raise.

“When times were tough, Chet Culver cut his own salary,” Glisson said. “When times were tough under Branstad, he continued to put himself first. The choice between the two candidates couldn't be more clear.”

According to the Culver campaign, the governor's salary increased from $60,000 in 1984 $105,090 in 1998.

The ad can be seen at

www.chetculver.com.