ISU political experts predict a bright forecast for student issues after Democratic candidates claimed control of the Iowa Legislature and governorship Tuesday night for the first time in four decades.

Democrat Chet Culver won approximately 54 percent of the vote to move past Republican Jim Nussle, who received 45 percent. Democrats also gained majorities in both the Iowa Senate, which had been evenly split, and the Iowa House of Representatives, where Republicans previously enjoyed a two-seat advantage.

Dirk Deam, senior lecturer in political science, said a Democratic-controlled Legislature will smooth the way for Culver to make good on his campaign promise to commit $25 million to the Iowa Board of Regents for general operation funding.

“There have been pretty sharp restrictions on education funding, especially for the three Regent universities under the Republican leadership,” Deam said. “I’m not saying that goes away, but I know Chet Culver has talked about giving some priority to the Regents, and I’d imagine he’d get quite a bit of support.”

He said the Democrats’ newfound control offers the state an opportunity to minimize tuition increases.

Dianne Bystrom, director of the Carrie Chapman Catt Center, said she was encouraged when both gubernatorial candidates pledged to fully fund the Regents last week, but the combination of a Democratic Legislature and governor means Culver will face less resistance.

“If there’s a Democratic governor with a Democratic Legislature, I think there’ll be some movement for a better chance of getting an agenda forward,” she said.

Bystrom also stressed the importance of Democratic control in the U.S. House of Representatives, where Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., will become the first female Speaker of the House in U.S. history.

At the time of press, Democrats had gained at least 20 seats in the House to claim an edge over Republicans.

“I think it’s great for women whether you’re a Republican or Democrat,” she said. “I think she’s a role model for all women.”

Donald McDowell, ISU College Republicans president and junior in political science, said the election results didn’t surprise him, and he blamed the Republicans’ loss of control in the state Legislature on national anti-Republican sentiment.

“I think we knew it was going to be a tough night,” McDowell said. “There’s a toxic environment for Republicans nationally.”

He said the GOP will re-evaluate itself for the 2008 elections.

“I think you’ll see a vigorous Republican Party comeback,” he said.