Branstad’s Appointment of Dandekar Puts Iowa Senate in Play

The Iowa Republican ^ | September 16, 2011 | Craig Robinson

[xjcsa]

When Governor Terry Branstad appoints State Senator Swati Dandekar to the Iowa Utilities Board this afternoon, he not only appointed Dandekar to a well-paid full time position, but in doing so, he created an opportunity for Republicans to claim partial control of the Iowa Senate.

In order to take the position Dandekar will resign from her State Senate seat immediately, which means a special election looms. It is not out of the realm of possibility that when the legislature reconvenes next January, the chamber could be divided evenly with 25 Democrats and 25 Republicans.

Democrats currently hold 26 of the 50 Senate seats. While the Democrats’ two-seat advantage is a far cry far cry from the 32 seats they held before the 2010 election, Mike Gronstal runs the chamber with an iron fist. With Republicans now able to capture partial control of the Senate before the next legislative session, Iowa Republicans are bound to do what it takes to win the seat, while Democrats will stop at nothing to maintain control of Dandekar’s district.

The upcoming special election will dominate the political landscape in Iowa. It’s hard to believe that a State Senate race could over shadow the Republican caucus campaigns, but that’s what is going to happen since Iowa Republicans can wrestle control away from Mike Gronstal and Senate Democrats if they win.

Here is what you need to know about the upcoming special election: [snip]

[xjcsa]

This *could* potentially clear the way for a vote on a marriage amendment.

[Conservativegreatgrandma]

Branstad is a genius.

[iowamark]

http://thegazette.com/2011/09/16/dandekar-to-resign-from-senate-take-utilities-appointment/
“”Marion’s Swati Dandekar resigns from State Senate:
Her departure could change balance of Iowa Senate””

[iowamark]

Branstad has five days to set the date for a special election, which can be no sooner than 40 days from the date on which he sets the election.

[Free Vulcan]

Wow this is actually a Republican registration majority seat. Way to go Branstad.

[Conservativegreatgrandma]

Yea, now if he would pick off one more, it would be better yet. This guy is doing a bang-up job as governor. We picked a grown up.