Governor Terry Branstad Carrot Choking Incident: 'He's Embarrassed'
Governor Terry Branstad had a carrot stuck in his throat July 4, and after choking on the food during a re-dedication ceremony for the USS Iowa battleship, he was hospitalized.
Governor Terry Branstad's carrot fiasco took place in Los Angeles, where the politician was invited to witness the fruit of his labors; his state contributed $3 million to the restoration of the WWII naval battleship, which will become a museum. Unfortunately, things took a turn for the worse after he finished his speech to thousands of guests- he choked on a carrot and was taken to the hospital.
"Right now he's more embarrassed than anything," the governor's spokesman, Tim Albrecht, told KRCG News. "We take the governor's health very seriously, so out of an overabundance of caution, he is being sent for tests to ensure that everything is OK."
Get Our Latest News for FREE
The 65-year-old, fifth-term governor had vomited after the incident, so California officials wanted to ensure his safety with a trip to medical facilities.
"We would do the same for a visiting governor in our state," Albrecht admitted Wednesday.
After Branstad was taken to the hospital, staff ran tests, and found that the governor was in good health. He was released soon afterwards at about 5 p.m.
"Everything turned out fine," said his representative. "We're glad he's okay."
The governor had plans after the incident as well, including celebrating Independence Day with family, and visiting his uncle who lives in the area.
"He fully expects to make the fireworks tonight," said Albrecht. "You know the governor."
Branstad was accompanied by his wife, Chris, and an Iowa State Patrol trooper throughout the ordeal. He returned to Iowa Thursday.
The USS Iowa was hailed as the one of America's most powerful and destructive battleships of World War II and the Korean War. It was given as a gift from the Navy to a nonprofit organization, who will transform it into a museum to cement its place in American history.
