Yesterday Governor Terry Branstad appointed former U.S. Representative Leonard Boswell to the Iowa Transportation Commission. Boswell will replace former Iowa Senator Tom Rielly, whom the governor named to the commission in 2013. According to the press release I’ve posted after the jump, Rielly “resigned from the commission due to a business-related conflict of interest.”

Boswell served in the Iowa Senate during much of Branstad’s previous tenure as governor. During this year’s Condition of the State address, Branstad recognized Boswell for his work co-chairing the governor’s “Home Base Iowa” initiative to attract more veterans to Iowa.

While serving in Congress, Boswell rightly called attention to the poor condition of many roads and bridges across the state and in the Des Moines metro area. From my perspective, he was too eager to support some new road construction projects that were potentially harmful and not justified by traffic flows. But without question, he is knowledgeable about Iowa’s infrastructure needs and qualified to serve on the transportation commission.

I’ll be curious to see whether Iowa Senate Republicans put up a fight against Boswell. To be confirmed, he will need support not only from the 26 Senate Democrats but also from at least eight of the upper chamber’s 24 Republicans. Last year, Republicans resisted confirming their former Democratic colleague Tom Rielly to the transportation commission, prompting Branstad to withdraw the nomination during the legislative session and appoint Rielly on an interim basis after lawmakers had adjourned for the year.  

Governor’s press release, January 29:

Gov. Branstad appoints Congressman Leonard Boswell to Iowa DOT Commission

Appointment comes following resignation of Tom Rielly

(DES MOINES) – Gov. Terry Branstad today appointed Congressman Leonard Boswell to the Iowa Department of Transportation Commission. The appointment comes after Tom Rielly resigned from the commission due to a business-related conflict of interest.

“I’m pleased today to appoint Leonard to the Iowa Transportation Commission,” said Branstad. “As a veteran, former state legislator and United States Congressman, Leonard’s life has been one of service to our state and country. I’m confident he’ll be a tremendous asset to the commission.”

The seven-member commission develops a comprehensive transportation policy and plan for the state, identifies transportation needs, and develops programs to meet these needs.  Other commission duties and responsibilities are broadly stated in Iowa Code chapters 307 and 307A. (IAC 761-1.6)

Boswell served three terms in the Iowa Senate from 1984-1996. He was elected to the United States Congress in 1997, where he served until 2013. He was drafted into United States Army as a private, where he earned two Distinguished Flying Crosses, Soldier’s Medal, two Bronze Stars, Air Medal with the “V” Device and rose to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.  Boswell and his wife, Dody, reside on a farm near Lamoni, Iowa.

Boswell will fulfill the remainder of Rielly’s term, which concludes April 30, 2017. The appointment takes effect immediately and is subject to Senate confirmation. State law requires the DOT Commission be balanced by gender and party affiliation.