Vander Plaats: Culver shouldn't appoint justices

(AP) - A conservative activist who led the campaign to remove three Iowa Supreme Court justices warned Democratic Gov. Chet Culver on Wednesday against appointing new judges if he gets the chance.

Bob Vander Plaats, who led the effort to vote out the justices because they supported a unanimous ruling legalizing gay marriage in Iowa, said appointments by a lame-duck governor would be an affront to voters. He noted that voters ousted Culver and the justices in the Nov. 2 election.

"The people spoke with a clear voice on Nov. 2 that they are tired of failed leadership in the legislature, governor's office and Iowa Supreme Court," Vander Plaats said.

Vander Plaats was responding to comments Culver made Monday in an interview with The Associated Press, in which he said he would "absolutely not" rule out making the appointments to the Supreme Court if given the opportunity.

"I'll be making a lot of decisions in the next 60 days," Culver said in the interview.

Culver was defeated by former Gov. Terry Branstad, a Republican who will begin his fifth term. Voters also removed Chief Justice Marsha Ternus and justices David Baker and Michael Streit.

Guy Cook, a member of the 15-member Judicial Nominating Commission, earlier said it's very unlikely the panel would have time to make recommendations before Culver leaves office, but Culver's comment prompted Vander Plaats to caution against the move.

Vander Plaats said such appointments would likely lead to efforts to remove the new justices.

"I can't imagine a justice wanting to walk into such a politically charged environment as that, one that is certain to draw a heavy electoral challenge," Vander Plaats said.

Branstad has urged Culver to hold off on the judicial nominations, even if he gets the chance to act.

Court spokesman Steve Davis said it's not clear when new justices will be appointed.

"No decisions have been reached," Davis said.