Governor Branstad Leaving Iowa (Des Moines, Washington: home, employment, safe)

[mofford]

Terry Branstad, Governor of Iowa for 22 years, is stepping down to become Ambassador to China. This is the end of an era, and I see little chance he will ever run for Governor again. He may hold this new position in China for up to 8 years, and would probably be ready for retirement at that point. Former Governor and current Secretary of Agriculture for Obama, Tom Vilsac, said in an interview today that nobody is more qualified than Terry Branstad to be the new Ambassador to China. I'm curious if Vilsac has any plans to return to Iowa, after 8 years in DC. I fear Tom Vilsac may return and run in 2018, against our new Governor, Kim Reynolds, who will take over for Branstad this January.

There is uncertainty in the air concerning the future of Iowa without Terry Branstad. How will we survive without his strong leadership?

[capitalcityguy]

I thought I already read that Vilsack is returning to Iowa....I think Des Moines specifically.

I think a run at Senator (Grassley's spot?) might be more likely than governor?

Regardless of your political affiliation, this is nothing but good news for the state of Iowa to have this type of access to China. Branstad already has a strong relationship with President Xi. Ag interests are smiling big today.

[capitalcityguy]

check that. Doesn't appear politics is in Vilsack's future:

Vilsack's future: Remain an advocate for 'farmers, rural America'

[mofford]

Vilsac said he wouldn't rule anything out at this point. I think he is licking his chops for the governor's chair. He will have an eager ally with our local media outlets, as they will try a Reynold's Wrap on our new governor. I hope she's as smart as they say, she only has one year before she has to campaign. Reynolds will also have to fend off republican challengers that will probably make a strong play for governor as well.

Vilsac would be uncooperative with Trump's immigration/deportation policy and try to block it as much as possible. I remember quite well the temper tantrum he threw when the INS deported some illegals from a meat packing plant back in the early 2000's.

I don't want Branstad going to China, it's not safe there for an old dude to be breathing all that pollution and being so far away from home, for so long, in a communist country. His job as governor was more important than some crappy ambassador job in China. The Secretary of Ag job in Washington is a better gig than that, why not appoint him to that job, the one Vilsac now holds? Not a peep last night on the broadcast networks about Branstad's appointment as Ambassador to China..... because nobody gives a gives a crap about that position, it's lackluster, but Branstad will still do a great job with it, I'm sure.

[funksoulbro]

How fun for Brandstad! With the way Trump has been trash-talking China and reaching out to Taiwan, ol' Terry is going to have a blast repairing all the damage with Beijing.

Good luck, Governor. You're gonna need every bit of it.

[duster1979]

Originally Posted by capitalcityguy

I think a run at Senator (Grassley's spot?) might be more likely than governor?

That would be six years down the road even if he were interested.

[BeauCharles]

I got to go in his office at the capitol years ago. A good friend's dad was a political reporter for the Register and was giving me a little tour of the building. He popped his head in Gov. Branstad's secretary's office and asked if he could take me in to have a look around. She knew him of course and said "Sure, he's not in.". Kind of a fun little moment for me.

OK, it has nothing to do with this thread but it made me think of it for the first time in years - lol.

[capitalcityguy]

Originally Posted by mofford

Vilsac said he wouldn't rule anything out at this point. I think he is licking his chops for the governor's chair. He will have an eager ally with our local media outlets, as they will try a Reynold's Wrap on our new governor. I hope she's as smart as they say, she only has one year before she has to campaign. Reynolds will also have to fend off republican challengers that will probably make a strong play for governor as well.

Vilsac would be uncooperative with Trump's immigration/deportation policy and try to block it as much as possible. I remember quite well the temper tantrum he threw when the INS deported some illegals from a meat packing plant back in the early 2000's.

I don't want Branstad going to China, it's not safe there for an old dude to be breathing all that pollution and being so far away from home, for so long, in a communist country. His job as governor was more important than some crappy ambassador job in China. The Secretary of Ag job in Washington is a better gig than that, why not appoint him to that job, the one Vilsac now holds? Not a peep last night on the broadcast networks about Branstad's appointment as Ambassador to China..... because nobody gives a gives a crap about that position, it's lackluster, but Branstad will still do a great job with it, I'm sure.

IMO, your dismissal of the significance of the ambassador gig in China is misplaced.

As to the media, it was reported in an article I read in USA Today yesterday. But as a broader topic, the average American could care less and thus that drives what the national news reports on.

[centralaustinite]

Mofford, you need to broaden your media sources, it was reported on the BBC World Service, NPR, The New York Times, Bloomberg etc.

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/07/us...dor-trump.html

[Meemur]

Originally Posted by capitalcityguy

IMO, your dismissal of the significance of the ambassador gig in China is misplaced.

It's certainly a huge deal to me. I understand the myriad ways Iowa can benefit, starting with increased employment to fill orders and contracts. Say what you want about Branstad, but he loves Iowa and will "bring home the bacon" LOL!