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Home   >   News   >   Regional News   >   Family Leader Member Cramer Grilled by IA Senate Committee

Family Leader Member Cramer Grilled by IA Senate Committee

By on March 20, 2013

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — An Iowa Senate panel has grilled a Board of Regents nominee about his views on social issues like stem cell research, gay rights and academic freedom.

 

Lawmakers on the Senate Education Committee interviewed Tuesday Robert Cramer, a businessman from Grimes. Cramer is one of two nominees selected by Gov. Terry Branstad to replace retiring members.

The Des Moines Register reports some committee members say Cramer’s conservative views on social issues could compromise the academic values of the public universities and schools that the board oversees.

Candidate Subhash Sahai, a physician from Webster City, also appeared before the panel.

The 15-member committee will decide Wednesday which of the nominees to move to the full Senate for a vote. Two-thirds of the Senate must approve.