Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds recently defended using a private jet owned by Gary Kirke, founder and chairman at Wild Rose Entertainment, for her first trip across the state as governor. Wild Rose, which operates casinos in Emmetsburg, Clinton and Jefferson, is competing for a state gaming license to develop a Cedar Rapids casino. Reynolds said using the private jet is legal and she may do it again in the future.
Reynolds recently chose acting Lieutenant Governor as her running mate in 2018. They, along with a state trooper and staffers, traveled the state as part of their “Build A Better Iowa” introductory tour. Kirke donated the use of his plane and two pilots as in-kind contributions to Reynolds’ campaign.
Reynolds said her office is independent from the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission, which will decide later this year if it will issue a license for Cedar Rapids. Next year, Reynolds will make at least two appointments the five-member gaming commission, which also regulates Kirke’s other casinos.
Millionaire businessman Kirke has given $25,000 to Reynolds’ campaigns and $135,000 to her political mentor, former Governor Terry Branstad, who resigned to become the U.S. ambassador to China. Kirke’s business partner, Michael Richards, president of Wild Rose Entertainment, recently was named president of the Board of Regents at Iowa’s three public universities.
Brenna Smith, Reynolds’ press secretary, said the governor won’t take a position on a Cedar Rapids casino and will let the commission use its “independent judgment.”
Reynolds’ use of Kirke’s plane evoked criticism from several groups and individuals. Iowa Democratic Party Chairman Derek Eadon said, “The fact that Governor Reynolds jetted around the state on a big donor’s plane while he has a pending business contract with her administration shows that she has the wrong priorities for our state.”
The IRGC, after rejecting a Cedar Rapids casino in 2014, now is considering three applications for a gaming license. Wild Rose has proposed a $40 million casino that will create hundreds of jobs and generate $48 million in annual gaming revenues, Kirke said.
Reynolds also said there should be no controversy regarding individuals linked to the casino hosting a private fundraiser for her this month.
