DES MOINES, Iowa (KCRG-TV9) - The Iowa Senate rejected the former state Director of Public Health from a seat on the board for a state health insurance program for low-income kids in a move Governor Branstad’s office called politically motivated.

Dr. Mariannette Miller-Meeks confirmation to the board of directors for Healthy and Well Kids in Iowa program, or HAWK-I, failed on a 28-18 vote in the Iowa Senate. 34 votes are needed to be confirmed. Miller-Meeks was the only one of Branstad’s nominees rejected in several confirmation votes Thursday.

All 18 no votes came from Iowa Democrats, including Sen. Liz Mathis of Linn County. Mathis raised concerns about Miller-Meeks work as director of the Iowa Department of Public Health, saying she was unhelpful when Mathis asked for support on an Alzheimer's bill.

“When I was advocating for Alzheimer’s patients, their families and providers who care for people with dementia-related illness, (Miller-Meeks) was unresponsive to my plea and theirs for two years in a row,” said Sen. Mathis. “That experience, along with other Senators who have worked with her, convinced me she is not the best choice to join the Hawk-I Board.”