Editing Terry Branstad (section)

== Governor of Iowa ==

===First tenure (1983–1999)===
{{See also|1982 Iowa gubernatorial election|1986 Iowa gubernatorial election|1990 Iowa gubernatorial election|1994 Iowa gubernatorial election}}
[[File:Terry Branstad attends recommissioning ceremony for USS Iowa, Apr 28, 1984.JPEG|thumb|left|150px|Branstad attending the recommissioning ceremony for the {{USS|Iowa|BB-61|6}}, April 28, 1984]]
[[File:Bill Clinton with Terry Branstad.jpg|thumb|right|Branstad with [[President of the United States|President]] [[Bill Clinton]] in 1993]]
When he took office as governor at age 36, Branstad became the youngest chief executive in Iowa's history.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/local/kyle-munson/2015/12/14/iowa-governor-terry-branstad-longest-serving-in-america/76718090/|title=Landmark longevity: Branstad seals governor tenure record|newspaper=Des Moines Register|access-date=February 20, 2017|language=en}}</ref> Reelected in 1986, 1990, and 1994, he left office as Iowa's longest-serving governor. He served as Chairman of the [[National Governors Association]] in 1989–1990, and also was Chair of the [[Midwestern Governors Association]]. In 1997 he chaired the [[Education Commission of the States]], the [[Republican Governors Association]], and the Governors' Ethanol Coalition.

In 1983 Branstad vetoed a bill to establish a state lottery.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=xFcrAAAAIBAJ&pg=4172,3050692&dq=terry+branstad&hl=en|title=Branstad Vetoes State Lottery |work=The Daily Record|date=June 1, 1983|access-date=July 19, 2013}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

Branstad made [[Capital punishment in Iowa|reinstatement of the death penalty]] a central focus of his 1994 re-election campaign; however, despite successfully being re-elected, he was unable to implement this policy due to opposition from Democrats in the [[Iowa Senate|Iowa State Senate]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://globegazette.com/news/iowa/branstad-says-death-penalty-push-unlikely-in/article_2ca9f15a-42fd-11e2-afc3-0019bb2963f4.html|title=Branstad says death penalty push unlikely in 2013|date=10 Dec 2012|work=Mason City Globe Gazette|access-date=2019-05-10|language=en}}</ref>

Iowa's unemployment rate went from 8.5% when Branstad took office to a record low 2.5% by the time he left office in 1999.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bls.gov/opub/ted/2000/feb/wk5/art03.htm|title=Iowa reports lowest unemployment rate in 1999 : The Economics Daily : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics|website=www.bls.gov|language=en-us|access-date=February 20, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.president.iastate.edu/archives/12/install/branstad|title=Gov. Terry Branstad {{!}} Office of the President|website=www.president.iastate.edu|language=en-us|access-date=February 20, 2017}}</ref> In his first year as governor, the state budget had a $90&nbsp;million deficit.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=AlwrAAAAIBAJ&pg=1709,2733262&dq=terry+branstad+budget&hl=en |title=The Daily Reporter – Google News Archive Search |access-date=July 19, 2013}}</ref> It took several years until the budget was balanced. Branstad said he did not have enough support in the [[Iowa Legislature|legislature]] to approve budget reforms until 1992. By 1999 Iowa had an unprecedented $900&nbsp;million budget surplus.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://governor.iowa.gov/about/ |title=About the Governor ★ Governor Branstad |publisher=Governor.iowa.gov |access-date=July 19, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://iowaindependent.com/37386/fact-check-culver-and-branstad-turn-hostile-over-budget-records |title=Fact Check: Culver and Branstad turn hostile over budget records |publisher=Iowa Independent |date=January 21, 2010 |access-date=July 19, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120729084621/http://iowaindependent.com/37386/fact-check-culver-and-branstad-turn-hostile-over-budget-records |archive-date=July 29, 2012  }}</ref>

===Inter-gubernatorial career===
[[File:Fred Thompson with Terry Branstad and Bob Ray.jpg|thumb|left|Branstad (left) with [[Fred Thompson]] and [[Robert D. Ray]] in 2007]]
Branstad focused most of his efforts outside of politics after leaving office in early 1999. He founded Branstad and Associates, LLC<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/108727325/|title=The Des Moines Register from Des Moines, Iowa on May 18, 2014 &middot; Page I5|newspaper=Newspapers.com |access-date=February 21, 2017|language=en}}</ref> and was also a partner in the firm of Kaufman, Pattee, Branstad & Miller<ref>{{Cite press release |url=http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20030527005497/en/Terry-Branstad-Elected-AICPA-Board-Directors|title=Terry Branstad Elected to AICPA Board of Directors|website=www.businesswire.com|language=en|access-date=February 21, 2017}}</ref> and a financial advisor for [[Robert W. Baird and Co.]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/research/stocks/private/person.asp?personId=667698&privcapId=58002027|title=Terry E. Branstad: Executive Profile & Biography – Bloomberg|website=www.bloomberg.com|access-date=February 21, 2017}}</ref>

In August 2003 Branstad accepted an offer from [[Des Moines University]] to become its president.<ref name=":1" /> On October 16, 2009, he announced his retirement from Des Moines University to run again for governor.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dmu.edu/news/index.php/2009/10/16/des-moines-university-president-terry-branstad-retires/ |title=Des Moines University President Terry Branstad retires – DMU News & Events|publisher=Dmu.edu|date=October 16, 2009|access-date=August 29, 2010}}</ref>

President [[George W. Bush]] appointed Branstad to chair the [[President's Commission on Excellence in Special Education]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Archived: Governor Terry Branstad of Iowa – Chair of the President's Commission on Excellence in Special Education|url=http://www2.ed.gov/inits/commissionsboards/whspecialeducation/bios/branstad.html|work=President's Commission on Excellence in Special Education|publisher=[[United States Department of Education]]|access-date=November 2, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021007231906/http://www.ed.gov/inits/commissionsboards/whspecialeducation/bios/branstad.html|archive-date=October 7, 2002 |date=December 13, 2001}}</ref> The commission was charged with developing a plan to improve the educational performance of students with disabilities. After completing his work with the commission in 2003, Branstad was asked to serve as a member of the National Advisory Council for Positive Action for Teen Health, or PATH. The advisory council encourages action to detect adolescent mental illness. In April 2003 Branstad was named a public member of the [[American Institute of Certified Public Accountants]], which comprises both professional and public members who address a variety of issues related to accounting.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.iowaheritage.org/items/show/49796|title=2011– Terry Branstad · Iowa Heritage Digital Collections|website=www.iowaheritage.org|access-date=September 22, 2016}}</ref>

Branstad serves on the boards of Conmed Health Management Inc,<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20111214201503/http://www.conmedinc.com/about_team.php] About Team.{{cbignore}}</ref> [[American Future Fund]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://lectures.americanfuturefund.com/about |title=About the Lecture Series : AFF Conservative Lecture Series |access-date=February 6, 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141225210711/http://lectures.americanfuturefund.com/about |archive-date=December 25, 2014  }}</ref> the [[Iowa Health System]], [[Liberty Bank]], the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aicpa.org/About/Governance/BoardofDirectors/Pages/2009-2010%20AICPA%20Board%20of%20Directors.aspx |title=2009–2010 AICPA Board of Directors |publisher=Aicpa.org |date=September 18, 2006 |access-date=August 29, 2010 }}{{cbignore}}</ref> and [[Living History Farms]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.lhf.org/en/about_us/board_members/|title=Board Members – Living History Farms|last=globalreach.com|first=Global Reach Internet Productions, LLC – Ames, IA -|website=www.lhf.org|access-date=February 21, 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170222053411/http://www.lhf.org/en/about_us/board_members/|archive-date=February 22, 2017}}</ref>

===Second tenure (2011–2017)===
Brandstad surpassed [[George Clinton (vice president)|George Clinton]]'s record as longest serving governor of the United States of 20 years, and 11 months, and 2 days on 14 December 2015.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://smartpolitics.lib.umn.edu/2017/05/29/the-top-50-longest-serving-governors-in-us-history-updated/|title = The Top 50 Longest Serving Governors in US History (Updated)|author= Dr. [[Eric Ostermeier]]|publisher= [[Smart Politics (news site)|Smart Politics]]|date = May 29, 2017}}</ref>
====2010 gubernatorial election====
{{See also|2010 Iowa gubernatorial election}}
[[File:Terry Branstad by Gage Skidmore.jpg|thumb|Branstad in 2011]]
On August 2, 2009, ''[[The Des Moines Register]]'' reported that Branstad was actively considering seeking the Republican nomination for governor. On October 7, Branstad filed papers to run for governor in the 2010 election.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://theiowarepublican.com/home/2009/10/07/branstad-files-paperwork-for-gubernatorial-run|title=Branstad Files Paperwork for Gubernatorial Run|publisher=Theiowarepublican.com|date=October 7, 2009|access-date=August 29, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100306232352/http://theiowarepublican.com/home/2009/10/07/branstad-files-paperwork-for-gubernatorial-run/|archive-date=March 6, 2010}}</ref> According to a September ''Des Moines Register'' poll, he maintained a 70% favorability rating from Iowans as compared to Governor [[Chet Culver]]'s rating of 50%.<ref>{{cite web|first=Thomas|last=Beaumont|url=http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20090919/NEWS/90919016/Culver-rating-slips-poll-gives-Branstad-positive-signs|title=Culver rating slips; poll gives Branstad positive signs|work=[[Des Moines Register]]|date=September 19, 2009|access-date=February 15, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130629001249/http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20090919/NEWS/90919016/Culver-rating-slips-poll-gives-Branstad-positive-signs|archive-date=June 29, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Register |first=The Des Moines |title=Meet the Candidate: Iowa Governor: Terry Branstad, Republican |url=https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/politics/2014/05/09/iowa-election-terry-branstad-bio-issues/8926907/ |access-date=2024-08-20 |website=The Des Moines Register |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Tompkins |first=Courtney |date=2009-10-16 |title=Des Moines University President Terry Branstad retires {{!}} News {{!}} Des Moines University |url=https://www.dmu.edu/blog/2009/10/des-moines-university-president-terry-branstad-retires/ |access-date=2024-08-20 |website=www.dmu.edu |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://sos.iowa.gov/elections/pdf/2010/govorr.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120425023405/http://sos.iowa.gov/elections/pdf/2010/govorr.pdf |archive-date=2012-04-25 |url-status=live|title=2010 Official Canvass by County – Governor |publisher=[[Iowa Secretary of State]]'s Office|date=November 29, 2010|access-date=October 6, 2014}}</ref><ref name="ReferenceA">{{cite web |url=http://elections.nytimes.com/2010/results/iowa|title=Iowa Election Results 2010|access-date=October 6, 2014|work=The New York Times}}</ref>

On June 8, 2010, Branstad won the Republican gubernatorial nomination,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.kcrg.com/news/local/95924319.html|publisher=KCRG.com|title=Republicans Nominate Branstad for Iowa Governor|date=June 8, 2010|access-date=June 8, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120315095320/http://www.kcrg.com/news/local/95924319.html|archive-date=March 15, 2012}}</ref> but when opposing candidate [[Bob Vander Plaats]] conceded, he did not endorse Branstad.<ref>[http://blogs.desmoinesregister.com/dmr/index.php/2010/06/08/the-new-vander-plaats-question-will-he-back-branstad ‘The new Vander Plaats question: Will he back Branstad?’] {{webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20130121104240/http://blogs.desmoinesregister.com/dmr/index.php/2010/06/08/the-new-vander-plaats-question-will-he-back-branstad |date=January 21, 2013 }}, blog post by Reid Forgrave, ''The Des Moines Register'', June 8, 2010. Retrieved June 9, 2010.</ref>

The Des Moines [[Tea Party movement|Tea Party]] gave Branstad a "no" on their report card regarding "criteria for acceptance" and said Branstad had "a history of raising taxes, [was] not a true conservative, increased the size of government every year he held office, [and] built a state-owned phone company."<ref>Multiple sources:
*{{cite web|last=Obradovich|first=Kathie|title=DM Tea Party scorecard: 'No' to Branstad, Roberts|url=http://blogs.desmoinesregister.com/dmr/index.php/2010/06/02/dm-tea-party-scorecard-no-to-branstad-roberts/article|archive-url=https://archive.today/20131104100614/http://blogs.desmoinesregister.com/dmr/index.php/2010/06/02/dm-tea-party-scorecard-no-to-branstad-roberts/article|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 4, 2013|work=[[Des Moines Register]]|access-date=November 2, 2013|date=June 2, 2010|quote=[...] About Branstad, the group says, among other things, 'History of raising taxes, not a true conservative, increased the size of government each year he held office, built a state-owned phone company.' [...]}}
*{{cite web|title=Des Moines Tea Party's Candidate Report Card|url=http://blogs.desmoinesregister.com/dmr/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/teapartyscorecard.pdf|work=[[Des Moines Register]]|access-date=July 19, 2013|date=June 2010}}{{dead link|date=June 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}
*{{cite web|url=http://theiowarepublican.com/home/2010/06/03/des-moines-tea-party-credibility-questioned-following-candidate-report-card|title=Des Moines Tea Party Credibility Questioned Following Candidate Report Card|publisher=Theiowarepublican.com|access-date=August 29, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100608190723/http://theiowarepublican.com/home/2010/06/03/des-moines-tea-party-credibility-questioned-following-candidate-report-card/|archive-date=June 8, 2010}}
*{{cite web|title=Home – The Des Moines Tea Party|url=http://www.desmoinesteaparty.org/|work=The Des Moines Tea Party|access-date=November 2, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131104052225/http://www.desmoinesteaparty.org/|archive-date=November 4, 2013|date=April 15, 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref> Former Iowa [[State Auditor of Iowa|State Auditor]] Richard Johnson accused Branstad of keeping "two sets of books" on the state budget while governor. Johnson said Branstad needed to be "transparent" to Iowa voters about the reporting of Iowa's finances during his tenure as governor.<ref>{{cite web|last=Clayworth|first=Jason|title=Accounting controversy still dogs Branstad|url=http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20100612/NEWS10/6120319/-1/WESTDESMOINES/Accounting-controversy-still-dogs-Branstad|work=[[The Des Moines Register]]|access-date=November 2, 2013|location=Des Moines, Iowa|page=A.1|format=Abstract|date=June 12, 2010}}{{dead link|date=July 2020|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} [https://www.proquest.com/docview/367208400 Alt URL]</ref>

====2014 gubernatorial election====
{{See also|2014 Iowa gubernatorial election}}
[[File:Roast and Ride (29220844391).jpg|thumb|Branstad speaking at the 2016 Roast and Ride, hosted by U.S. Senator [[Joni Ernst]]]]
Branstad ran for reelection in 2014. He was opposed in the Republican primary by [[Tom Hoefling]], a political activist and nominee for president in [[2012 United States presidential election|2012]] for both America's Party and [[American Independent Party]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Hayworth: Republican Hoefling aiming to challenge Branstad in 2014|url=http://siouxcityjournal.com/blogs/politically_speaking/hayworth-republican-hoefling-aiming-to-challenge-branstad-in/article_53a6803b-2ae7-5a6a-815a-489111790220.html |work=Sioux City Journal |date=March 4, 2014 |access-date=December 24, 2014}}</ref> Branstad won the primary with 83% of the vote.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Noble |first=Jason |title=Terry Branstad breezes to primary win, will face Jack Hatch |url=https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/politics/elections/2014/06/03/iowa-primary-governor-results/9939083/ |access-date=2024-09-19 |website=The Des Moines Register |language=en-US}}</ref>

In the general election, Branstad faced Democratic nominee State Senator [[Jack Hatch]] and won with 59% of the vote.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Noble |first=Jason |title=Terry Branstad re-elected to historic sixth term |url=https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/elections/2014/11/04/iowa-governor-terry-branstad-reelected-historic-win/18490693/ |access-date=2024-09-19 |website=The Des Moines Register |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Noble |first=Jason |title=Iowa governor Terry Branstad wins historic sixth term |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2014/11/04/iowa-governor-terry-branstad-reelected-to-historic-sixth-term/18504707/ |access-date=2024-09-19 |website=USA TODAY |language=en-US}}</ref>

==== Voting rights ====
Branstad rescinded an executive order signed by governor [[Tom Vilsack]] that restored voting rights to approximately 115,000 felons who had completed their sentences.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web|first=Rod|last=Boshart|title=Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds signs order restoring felon voting rights|url=https://qctimes.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/iowa-gov-kim-reynolds-signs-order-restoring-felon-voting-rights/article_cec6af1b-a0b5-5019-80f9-ae4b89f7c9e7.html|access-date=August 5, 2020|website=The Quad-City Times|date=August 5, 2020 |language=en}}</ref> Iowa was the last remaining state to have felons permanently disenfranchised until 2020, when Branstad's successor, Kim Reynolds, restored voting rights for some felons who had completed their sentences.<ref name=":5" /><ref>{{Cite news|title=Governor Acts To Restore Voting Rights To Iowans With Felony Convictions|url=https://www.npr.org/2020/08/05/899284703/governor-acts-to-restore-voting-rights-to-iowans-with-past-felony-convictions|access-date=August 5, 2020|website=NPR.org|language=en}}</ref>

==== Taxes ====
In June 2013, Branstad signed into law a sweeping tax reform bill that had widespread bipartisan support, passing the Iowa Senate by 44 votes to 6 and the Iowa House by 84 votes to 13.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|url=https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ba=SF295&ga=85|title=Iowa Legislature – BillBook|website=www.legis.iowa.gov|access-date=February 21, 2017}}</ref> The bill, Senate File 295,<ref name=":2" /> provided for the state's largest tax cut in history, including an estimated $4.4&nbsp;billion in property tax reform<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/story/news/elections/2014/10/16/hatch-branstad-differ-widely-economy/17341653/|title=Hatch, Branstad differ widely on economy|newspaper=Lansing State Journal|access-date=February 21, 2017|language=en}}</ref> and an estimated $90&nbsp;million of annual income tax relief, in part in the form of an increase in the earned income tax credit.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|url=http://wcfcourier.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/update-often-rancorous-iowa-legislative-session-praised-for-results/article_8f5c78dc-c380-11e2-a59c-0019bb2963f4.amp.html|title=UPDATE: Often rancorous Iowa legislative session praised for results|website=wcfcourier.com|date=May 23, 2013 |language=en|access-date=February 21, 2017}}</ref> The bill also included significant reforms to education and health care.<ref name=":3" />

====Job creation ranking====
A June 2013 ''[[The Business Journals|Business Journals]]'' analysis of 45 of the country's 50 governors ranked Branstad 28th in job creation.<ref>{{Cite journal |url=http://www.bizjournals.com/bizjournals/on-numbers/scott-thomas/2013/06/governors-ranked-by-private-sector-job.html|title = How state governors rank on their job-growth record|last = Thomas|first = G. Scott|date = June 27, 2013|journal = The Business Journals|access-date = November 3, 2015}}</ref> The ranking was based on a comparison of the annual private sector growth rate in all 50 states using data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.<ref>{{Cite journal|url = http://www.bizjournals.com/bizjournals/on-numbers/scott-thomas/2013/06/28-terry-branstad.html|title = 28. Terry Branstad – Governors ranked by their job-creation records|last = Thomas|first = G. Scott|date = June 27, 2013|journal = The Business Journals|access-date = November 3, 2013}}</ref>

====Gun rights====
On April 13, 2017, with large Republican majorities in the Iowa legislature,<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.thegazette.com/subject/news/politics/election/iowa-statehouse/gops-state-trifecta-has-its-own-challenges-its-not-all-roses-and-sunshine-recalls-leader-from-20-years-ago-20161128|title=GOP's state trifecta has its own challenges 'It's not all roses and sunshine,' recalls leader from 20 years ago {{!}} The Gazette|newspaper=The Gazette|access-date=February 21, 2017}}</ref><ref name="RussellNov2016">{{cite web | last1=Russell | first1=Joyce | title=Iowa Senate Turns Republican in Tuesday Voting | url=http://iowapublicradio.org/post/iowa-senate-turns-republican-tuesday-voting#stream/0 | date=November 9, 2016 | publisher=[[Iowa Public Radio]] | access-date=April 29, 2017}}</ref> Branstad signed a bill into law expanding [[Gun politics in the United States|gun rights]], enacting a [[stand-your-ground law]], expanding the right of citizens to sue if they believe their [[Second Amendment to the United States Constitution|Second Amendment]] rights are being infringed, and expanding the gun rights of minors, among several other provisions.<ref>{{cite web | last1=De Lea | first1=Brittany | title=Iowa Passes Massive Expansion of Gun Rights, More States to Follow? | url=http://www.foxbusiness.com/politics/2017/04/13/iowa-passes-massive-expansion-gun-rights-more-states-to-follow.html | date=April 13, 2017 | publisher=[[Fox Business Network]] | access-date=April 29, 2017}}</ref>

====Bakken pipeline====
Branstad's business-friendly appointments to the [[Iowa Utilities Board]] were controversial. They have "virtually assured" approval of the Iowa section of the  Dakota Access pipeline. His last appointment was that of [[Richard W. Lozier Jr.]], who represented a pro-pipeline lobby group and who had to recuse himself one month after he joined in 2017.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Petroski |first=William |title=Iowa regulator recuses himself from Dakota Access Pipeline case |language=en-US |url=https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/politics/2017/06/14/iowa-regulator-recuses-himself-dakota-access-pipeline-case/397053001/ |access-date=2023-08-30}}</ref>

====Discrimination lawsuit====
On July 15, 2019, a jury in [[Polk County, Iowa|Polk County]], Iowa awarded a gay former state official $1.5&nbsp;million in damages, finding that Branstad had discriminated against him based on sexual orientation in 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/politics/2019/07/15/terry-branstad-gay-official-discrimination-chris-godfrey-workers-compensation-commissioner-verdict/1714302001/|title=Jury decides Terry Branstad discriminated against gay employee as governor, awards employee $1.5 million|website=[[The Des Moines Register]]}}</ref>