GOP senator ‘leaning against’ supporting Gov. Branstad nominees

While Gov. Terry Branstad is working to secure the votes he needs from Democrats to confirm his nominees to the Board of Regents, he hasn't secured the vote of all 24 Senate Republicans.

Sen. Brad Zaun, R-Urbandale, has warned he might vote against the governor's nominees to the board that oversees the three state universities because of his objection to rewarding campaign contributors and insiders with plum appointments.

Branstad doesn't believe Zaun's “misgivings” apply to his nominees. One gave money to his primary election opponent, another donated to his general election opponent and the third gave him a “modest” contribution, he said.

However, Zaun said Monday afternoon he reserves the right to vote for – or against – any nominee “and I'm leaning against.”

It's not just the campaign contributions, he said.

“Tell me Craig Lang isn't an insider, a political insider,” he said. Lang, who was appointed by Democratic Gov. Chet Culver, is seeking a second term. He's served two terms as the board's president, is a former president of the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation and, according to speculation, a future political candidate.

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