Trial Begins in Former Commissioner's Suit Against Ex-Governor

Wednesday, June 5, 2019 | 0

Jury selection began Monday in a lawsuit brought by Iowa's former Workers' Compensation commissioner, alleging that the former Republican governor discriminated against him and slashed his salary because the commissioner is gay.

Chris Godfrey

The case has been brewing since 2012 and has been watched across the country because of its focus on whether the governor violated the commissioner's civil rights or if the action was simply party politics. An attorney for former Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad has said the trial promises to be a “national spectacle,” according to an Iowa news report.

Former comp commissioner Chris Godfrey, who is now chief judge and chair of the federal Employees' Compensation Appeal Board, was appointed by a Democratic governor. But when Branstad, a Republican, won election in 2010, he wanted Godfrey to vacate his office before the end of his six-year term. The former governor claimed he wanted a commissioner who was more friendly to business.

When Godfrey refused to resign, his salary was cut by 35%. Godfrey sued the state, alleging he was singled out and his pay was cut in retaliation for his being a Democrat or because he is openly gay. Branstad's attorneys have said that Godfrey was simply a member of the the party that lost the election, and the victor party had authority to appoint new people, according to news reports.

Branstad, who is now the U.S. ambassador to China, has agreed to return to testify on June 14.

Two former Democratic governors are also expected to testify.