DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad is supporting Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump’s claim that the election is rigged and media organizations are intentionally helping Democrat Hillary Clinton.
Speaking Monday at his weekly news conference, Branstad said he agrees with Trump that there are efforts to cheat the system and that national media organizations are “colluding” with Clinton.
Branstad, a Republican whose son leads Trump’s Iowa campaign, said media bias and voter fraud are “one in the same.”
Branstad’s position contrasts with other Republicans, including House Speaker Paul Ryan and vice presidential nominee Mike Pence, who have expressed confidence in the election.
While Branstad says he’ll support the outcome, he says election officials must be vigilant, adding, “Nobody’s perfect.”
A Clinton campaign spokesperson didn’t immediately respond to an email seeking comment.
