State Journal: Lump sum; Local control

The Iowa attorney general's office is reviewing a $24,500 payment that Gov. Terry E. Branstad approved for Al Ramirez when he resigned as the state schools chief in September.

The state auditor raised questions about the confidential nature of the resignation agreement and the lump-sum payment. "Let's say it's unusual," said Warren Jenkins, the state's chief deputy auditor.

"The governor remains confident that this was a legal contract," said Christina Martin,...