A story that sort of went under the radar at the end of last week was one about how once again our Governor stretches the limits of equal treatment under the law. Branstad is the defendant in a lawsuit concerning discrimination and illegal tactics in forcing an employee to resign. The plaintiff, Christopher Godfrey, had sought a deposition from Branstad during September or October.

But Branstad claimed he could not carve out a few hours until after the election. Seems to me if Branstad were an ordinary citizen like you and I then he would have been told “No you have to give this deposition.” But once more he pulls rank, claims he is too busy and mocks the justice system.

It is just one thing after another with this guy. He puts himself above the law time after time. Should we list a few? Let’s start with the hush money paid to employees that were let go under suspicious circumstances by the Branstad Administration. Then how about the illegal closing of the state home for juveniles in Toledo? Or maybe taking his governor’s pension while he is governor? We can go on with his ignoring traffic laws and the subsequent firing of a highly respected Highway patrol officer. Then there is the unilateral changing of the administrative law judge’s position to an at-will position.

Let us not forget his total disdain for people – how he line item vetoed a unanimous funding for food banks, how he fought like the devil to stop the Medicaid upgrade, how he continues to bust unions at every turn, or how he passes out our economic development money like its his pocket change. It is our money.

Just like it is our money that is defending Branstad in this lawsuit and will be our money in lawsuits that will no doubt be coming. Like so many Republican governors across the country – Christie, Perry, McDonnell etc. – Branstad just seems to set himself above the law.

It is way past time for Iowa to look forward once more. It is way past time to put someone in the governor’s mansion that will be looking out for the common Iowan, not his donors and rich buddies. Hopefully on Wednesday November 5th we can all look to Des Moines and wave a final farewell to Terry.