Iowa

Iowa re-elected a former Governor, Republican Terry Branstad, to a fifth term in 2010 over his incumbent Democratic opponent. Already the State’s longest serving Governor,Branstad previously left office in 1999.

Republicans also gained control of the State House by a 60 – 40 margin after taking 16 new seats from Democrats. Democrats retained control of the Senate and hold a slim 26 – 24 majority. The Iowa General Assembly will convene January 9, 2012.