Moving to Congressional Run? Iowa Democrat Resigns from Iowa Utilities Board

A Marion Democrat is resigning from a high profile post she accepted from Iowa's Republican governor in a shroud of controversy less than two years ago.

Swati Dandekar's resignation from the Iowa Utilities Board could be another sign that she plans to run for the first district congressional seat being vacated by Bruce Braley.

“I want to thank Swati for her dedication and public service to the Iowa Utilities Board,” Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad said in a statement today. “I wish her well in her future endeavors. Our search for her replacement will begin immediately.”

A message left for Dandekar was not immediately returned. 

The resignation, which she submitted on Monday, is effective Monday, July 22, 2013.

"I have enjoyed serving the state of Iowa in this capacity and sincerely appreciate and thank you for the opportunity you gave to me," Dandekar said in her letter of resignation. 

Dandekar is a former state senator from Marion. She resigned in 2011 mid-term to accept the six-figure salaried position, which rankled Democrats who saw Branstad's appointment of her as a political move and feared her departure could cost the party control of the Iowa Senate. 

Some Democrats are still not pleased, and may hold it against her if she runs for Congress. Dandekar formally announced an exploratory committee for a congressional run in May. 

At least one GOP insider, Craig Robinson, with the Iowa Republican, thinks her resignation is another sign she will run. 

All sorts of things happening in Iowa politics. Swati Dandekar resigns from Iowa Utilities Board, looks like she's serious about IA's 1st CD