The Iowa Senate voted against confirming Board of Regents nominees Robert Cramer and Craig Lang on Monday, April 8, 2013.

In order to have been approved, nominees needed two-thirds support of the Iowa Senate, or 34 votes. Lang was voted against 30-20 and Cramer lost 27-23.

Both Cramer and Lang were republican nominees appointed by Gov. Terry Branstad.

Cramer’s disapproval is often attributed to his public involvement with a social conservative group. While Lang has received praise for tuition freeze, he has also garnered criticism regarding academic freedom during his term as Regents president.

Lang released a public statement saying he respects, yet is disappointed with, the Senate’s decision.

“I am proud of the accomplishments of the Board of Regents during my term,” said Lang in the letter. “While I am disappointed with the results, I thank the Senate for its stewardship role for Iowans.”

The third Board nominee, physician Subhash Sahai from Webster City, Iowa, a democrat, was approved by the Senate.

The Governor’s office said it does not know who replacement nominees for the Board will be, according to the Des Moines Register.

Check back with the Iowa State Daily for more details.