Iowa governor auctioned off access for pork barons' charity
Source: Associated Press
RYAN J. FOLEY,
Associated Press
Feb. 8, 2021
Updated: Feb. 8, 2021 1:51 p.m.
IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds auctioned off an afternoon of her time to raise money for the namesake charity of a couple who own one of the nation's largest pork producers and have contributed nearly $300,000 to her campaign.
The 2019 auction to benefit the Deb and Jeff Hansen Foundation provides a striking example of the Republican governor's close relationship with the state's pork industry and particularly Iowa Select Farms, owned by the West Des Moines couple. Company staff members run the Hansens' foundation, which sponsors charitable programs including giveaways of pork products to needy families.
Details of the auction surfaced recently in public records the governor's office released to Direct Action Everywhere, an animal rights group that has accused Iowa Select of mistreating hogs.
The records show Reynolds has supported policies Iowa Select has sought, made several appearances for the corporation and its charity, and routinely spoken with Jeff Hansen.
Read more: https://www.chron.com/news/article/Iowa-governor-auctioned-off-access-for-pork-15933781.php
