from underthegoldendome: Dandekar defects

[rurallib]

http://www.underthegoldendome.com/2011/09/heard-under-the-dome-dandekar-stepping-down-for-seat-on-iub-balance-of-senate-up-for-grabs/
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Heard Under the Dome: Dandekar Stepping Down for Seat on IUB, Balance of Senate Up for Grabs

By GoldenEye | September 16, 2011

Heard under the dome today: Swati Dandekar is stepping down from her Senate seat in Cedar Rapids for a seat on the Iowa Utilities Board. Looks like Terry Branstad was able to buy her off for a $137,000 salary and open up a competitive Senate district to a special election before the 2011 legislative session and the 2012 election.

With the balance of power in the Senate hanging by a thread, why would Dandekar abandon her seat leaving it vulnerable to a Republican win? Sources are telling UTGD Dandekar was upset after last session that Senator Gronstal refused to bring the nuclear study bill to a vote last session. Branstad could have played to Dandekar on this, offering her the seat on the IUB to push the nuclear bill and opening a seat for 2012.
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This is really serious

ETA: If you want to help go to http://www.keepthemajority.com/
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ETA2: Gov. Branstad sets Special Election for November 8th

Special Election to fill balance of former Sen. Swati Dandekar’s Senate term



(DES MOINES) – Gov. Terry E. Branstad today set a Special Election date of November 8, 2011, to fill Senate District 18. The seat became vacant today after Senator Swati Dandekar resigned from her Senate seat to serve on the Iowa Utilities Board. Gov. Branstad had five days to choose a date for the election.



The Special Election will coincide with city elections.