Former Iowa Gov. Ray’s legacy contrasts with modern GOP
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Iowa residents remembering the legacy of former Gov. Robert D. Ray are reflecting on the difference between his administration and today’s politics.
Ray will be eulogized Friday during a funeral in Des Moines. The Republican governor is known for being a centrist who put policy before political expediency. He died Sunday at age 89.
Kenneth Quinn, president of the World Food Prize Foundation, served in the Ray administration. He doubts someone with Ray’s positions could be elected today. He says the outpouring of respect and affection for Ray shows how popular his leadership style remains in Iowa.
Honor Guard members stand over the casket of former Iowa Gov. Robert Ray during a memorial service, Thursday, July 12, 2018, at the Statehouse in Des Moines, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Ray put Iowa on the international stage in the 1970s when he welcomed Vietnam War refugees from Southeast Asia. That action stands in contrast with Republicans’ current immigration views.
Mourners stand in front of a portrait of former Iowa Gov. Robert Ray during a memorial ceremony, Thursday, July 12, 2018, at the Statehouse in Des Moines, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
FILE – In a Jan. 12, 1982 file photo, Iowa Governor Robert Ray, left, enjoys a light moment at the Statehouse podium with Lt. Governor Terry Branstad after the Condition of the State speech. Former longtime Iowa Gov. Robert D. Ray, who helped thousands of Vietnam War refugees relocate to the state and defined Iowa’s GOP politics for years, died Sunday, July 8, 2018, according to Ray’s former chief of staff David Oman. He was 89. (AP Photo/Bill Daniel, File)
An Honor Guard member stands next to the casket of former Iowa Gov. Robert Ray before before a ceremony, Thursday, July 12, 2018, at the Statehouse in Des Moines, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Honor Guard members carry the casket of former Iowa Gov. Robert Ray before a ceremony, Thursday, July 12, 2018, at the Statehouse in Des Moines, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Mourners look on during a memorial service for former Iowa Gov. Robert Ray, Thursday, July 12, 2018, at the Statehouse in Des Moines, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Honor Guard members carry the casket of former Iowa Gov. Robert Ray during a memorial service, Thursday, July 12, 2018, at the Statehouse in Des Moines, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
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