Branstad calls on Senate to support Regents picks

DES MOINES (AP) ? Gov. Terry Branstad has sent a letter to senators seeking support for his nominees to the Board of Regents.

The letter was delivered Tuesday to all 50 senators. Branstad says his picks have ?unique skill sets.?

The Senate Education Committee voted to forward two of Branstad?s three nominations to the full Senate without recommendation. Current Board President Craig Lang was not endorsed. Neither was Grimes businessman Robert Cramer. The board did recommend confirming Webster City physician Subhash Sahai to the nine-member board that oversees the state?s public universities.

The nominations require a two-thirds majority vote in the Senate.

Lang?s tenure has troubled Democrats. Lawmakers questioned Cramer about his socially conservative views.

Branstad praises Lang?s record, citing a planned tuition freeze. Branstad also says Cramer?s construction knowledge is valuable.