Group forms to support Iowa Supreme Court justices

An advocacy group that includes a former Iowa governor and lieutenant governor has formed to support the retention of the chief justice and two justices of the Iowa Supreme Court.

The group formed after gay rights opponents promised in August an intense and well-financed campaign to urge Iowans to vote not to retain the justices on the Nov. 2 general election ballot. The Des Moines Register reports Thursday that the new group is called Fair Courts for US and includes former Iowa Gov. Robert Ray and former Lt. Gov. Art Neu.

Chief Justice Marsha Ternus and Justices David Baker and Michael Streit joined last year's unanimous decision that legalized gay marriage in the state. Fair Courts for US plans a direct mail and media advertising campaign to support the three justices.

RELATED COVERAGE:

• Sept. 30 -

RELATED COVERAGE:

• Sept. 30 - Former Supreme Court justice says effort to politicize judiciary is 'unsettling'