DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A former Iowa lawmaker has been arrested at the state Capitol after he refused to leave Gov. Terry Branstad’s office because he wanted to discuss eminent domain legislation.
Iowa State Patrol troopers arrested Ed Fallon on Monday without incident after he waited hours to speak with Branstad in person or by phone. A Fallon spokesman says he faces a simple misdemeanor charge of criminal trespass.
Fallon, a former gubernatorial candidate, says he wants Branstad’s verbal support for legislation that would expand rights for Iowa landowners whose property lies along the proposed Bakken pipeline that would transfer oil across the state. He wants the Legislature to approve a measure before adjourning.
An attorney for Branstad met with Fallon earlier but told him he needed to schedule a meeting with the governor.
