DES MOINES, Iowa — Former Gov. Chet Culver said he's settled into his role as a business consultant to renewable energy companies and has moved on with his life, but he wouldn't rule out a run for public office.
"I feel really good about the fact that I've found something to do that I'm passionate about," Culver said in an interview with The Associated Press. "During any transition like this it can be tough, and the challenge can be compounded if you can't really figure out what you're going to do."
After leaving office in January following his loss to Republican Terry Branstad in the November election, Culver said he explored a series of options. He finally settled on forming the Culver Group, a consulting business that advises alternative energy companies on business strategies.
"I took a few months and looked at a lot of really exciting options," said Culver. "I feel really good about the decision I made to start this small business. I kind of like being an entrepreneur."
There are persistent rumors that Culver will eventually return to Washington, where he grew up while his father was in Congress. Culver chuckles at that suggestion.
"This is home," said Culver. "The kids are very happy with their school. We kept our home in West Des Moines."
Culver said his business will take him around the country and occasionally overseas, but he'll remain based in Iowa.
"I'm looking forward to living here but making a difference across the country and perhaps in certain places around the world," said Culver.
Culver said he wanted to focus on alternative energy because it was one of the central themes of his tenure as governor.
"We've really shown the country what's possible when we focus on renewable energy," said Culver. "We've got manufacturers of turbines and blades in Iowa, we've created hundreds of really good-paying green collar jobs in Iowa in this new green sector. I just want to continue to be an advocate."
But Culver, 45, left the door open to a return to politics. He served eight years as secretary of state before his four years as governor.
He said he relished the public debate.
"There's a possibility that I'll consider jumping back into the political arena in the future," Culver said. "The bottom line is just because I care passionately about the people of this state and the future of this state."
While Branstad has been vocal in criticizing what he sees as Culver's bungling of the state's budget, Culver said he has made a deliberate decision to stay silent.
"It's important to not rehash the campaign," said Culver. "The campaign is over and I think it disingenuous to try to keep coming back to campaign and political rhetoric. There was a time for that and I've tried in my comments since Nov. 2 to not play politics and not use political rhetoric to score any points."
Culver said he senses voters are in no mood for rehashing the past, and he speculated they could punish politicians who do too much finger-pointing.
"I don't think the people of Iowa have a lot of patience or tolerance for that kind of unfair, biased, political rhetoric," he said.
Reflecting on his tenure, Culver said he faced unprecedented pressures, ranging from historic flooding to a deep recession and two wars that forced the largest National Guard troop deployment since World War II.
"I enjoyed the privilege, but it was a very challenging time to server as governor," said Culver. "My term was not typical. We had unprecedented challenges facing the state. Not many governors in our state have had to deal with one of those crises. I think we governed effectively during those tough times."
Culver conceded he's been forced to make adjustments since losing but said he's worked through that process.
"First of all, winning is more fun, but I've really enjoyed this opportunity to do something different, to do something new," said Culver. "Number two, I've really enjoyed the time with my family. I'm very involved in my kids' extracurricular activities."