Hunter
06/29/22
Current members of the Iowa Board of Regents have made donations to state Republicans in the hundreds of thousands of dollars over the last three years, some of it going to the person who appoints them.
The Gazette reports that the monetary and in-kind donations total over $339,000, with the majority going to Governor Kim Reynolds or the Iowa Republican Party. The article points out that state law doesn’t restrict or regulate regent political giving. Neither does regent policy, which does restrict conflicts of interest — largely related to employment, ownership or service on another board that might have a relationship with a regent university.
Regent David Barker, a partner in apartment and real estate developer Barker Companies, is the biggest donor, with over $250,000 in donations since 2019. Board President Michael Richards has given over $28,500, while newly-appointed regent JC Risewick donated a flight to Governor Reynolds for a March trip valued at $21,600. Risewick is president of Seneca Companies and that company owns a LearJet. He also reportedly donated two flights to Reynolds in 2021.
Board spokesman Josh Lehman told the Gazette that the Board of Regents is comprised of citizen volunteers, and any political contributions made are in their personal capacity.
Although Governor Reynolds appoints Regents, her appointments must be approved by a 2/3rd Senate majority.