Candidate Will Not Sign Prison Pledge

Fort Madison, IA – The Republican Candidate for Lt. Governor says he cannot guarantee the Iowa State Penitentiary will remain in Fort Madison. Businessman Bob Vander Plaats says he and gubernatorial candidate, Congressman Jim Nussle, will not sign a pledge drafted by the Fort Madison Chamber of Commerce. It calls for the next governor of Iowa to do everything possible to keep the prison in the city. Vander Plaats says a proper review of the corrections system cannot take place if promises have already been made to certain communities. More than 500 people work at the Iowa State Penitentiary.