Iowa Workers’ Compensation Commissioner Chris Godfrey Wednesday filed a lawsuit against the state, Branstad, Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds and several other staff members alleging that Branstad wrongfully cut his salary by almost $36,000 last year.
The financial demotion occurred after Godfrey – most recently appointed by former Gov. Chet Culver, a Democrat – refused multiple requests from Branstad and his staff to resign, citing his accomplishments on the job and an appointment process in place to guard the position against political whims.
Godfrey, who is gay, on Wednesday compared Branstad to a school bully. Branstad and his staff issued a statement saying the administration had not discriminated against Godfrey in any way.
Records released today show that the Iowa Attorney General’s office has requested approval from the state’s executive council to spend up to $325 an hour to hire Des Moines law firm LaMarca & Landry to represent the state.
The governor has his own legal counsel – Brenna Findley – and the Attorney’s General’s office, which are paid to represent the state in legal matters. However, because of the personal nature of the allegations made against the governor, the Attorney General’s office agrees with the governor that outside representation is preferred, according to a letter released today.
George LaMarca agreed to the $325-an-hour payment, a significant discount from his hourly wages, the letter requesting executive council approval says. Other lawyers representing the firm will charge $210 an hour, and legal clerks will bill the state for $75 an hour.
When outside attorney assistance is necessary, the going rate is usually around $80 an hour, Iowa Treasurer Michael Fitzgerald, a member of the executive council, noted last year.
This is the second high-profile lawsuit against Branstad since he took office almost a year ago where he has asked for outside legal assistance. In September the executive council allowed him to hire two lawyers from Nyemaster, Goode, West, Hansell & O’Brien law firm in Des Moines for up to $275 an hour.
In the earlier lawsuit, Democrats and a union leader contend that Branstad’s line-item veto in a budget bill that led to the closure of 36 unemployment offices is unconstitutional.
A Polk County district court judge in December agreed that the veto was unconstitutional under an argument that a governor cannot redirect money struck through in a line-item veto. The matter is being appealed and could go to the Iowa Supreme Court for a decision.
The executive council will vote on whether to officially hire LaMarca Tuesday.
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