Report: Democrats Could Snub Branstad Nominee for Iowa Utility Board - Wagner of Marion

Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad's nomination of a Marion Republican to the Iowa Utilities Board appears to be in doubt.

Senate Democrats may reject Nick Wagner, an engineer and former Republican representative from Marion, for the lucrative post, according to an Associated Press report.

Sen. Matt McCoy, D-Des Moines, said the nominee, former Republican Rep. Nick Wagner, doesn't have enough Democratic votes for the two-thirds majority needed for confirmation. McCoy said he believes senators will reject Wagner's nomination on the floor next week.

The Iowa Utilities Board regulates rates and services of Iowa utilities. Board members are paid more than $113,000 a year.

One Senator said he has geographical concerns about a lack of diversity of where the utility board members live. Fellow member Swati Dandekar, a Democrat, is also from Marion. The third member, Elizabeth Jacobs, lives in West Des Moines.

“(The board) rules on territorial disputes between utilities,” said Sen. Rob Hogg, D-Cedar Rapids. “If you had two board members from the same location, they could geographically control what happens if they share the same view.”

Wagner said he will continue to fight for the nomination, saying he is "very qualified." The governor plans to continue pushing Wagner for the post.

Wagner lost his seat in the Iowa House in November when he was defeated by .

The Senate has until April 15 to cast a vote on Wagner.