Let justice, not politics, guide court

By Joy Corning and Sally Pederson

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An issue is brewing in Iowa that Republicans, Democrats and Independents can agree on: We don't want money and politics to influence our courts.

Never in the history of our state has an Iowa Supreme Court Justice been removed from office by the voters. Yet, this year there is a well-funded effort to oust three of the seven justices on the court. If successful, we believe it will change the very nature of Iowa's judicial system.

That's why we are working together as co-chairs of a new coalition of diverse organizations, community leaders and individuals who have joined to protect Iowa's courts. Justice, Not Politics is committed to protecting Iowa's courts and our system of merit selection and retention. The coalition was recently launched to educate Iowans and to counter those who are working to tear apart our fair and impartial court system.

The summer announcement by Bob Vander Plaats to create Iowa for Freedom cemented our concern and resolve to take action.

Justice, Not Politics is a broad-based, non-partisan coalition of organizations and Iowans across the political spectrum committed to protecting the judicial system of selection and retention that has served Iowa well for almost 50 years.

Members include leaders in business, labor, faith communities and more. A growing number of organizations such as the League of Women Voters, the Community Foundation of Des Moines, the American Judicature Society, AFSCME Council 61 and the Interfaith Alliance of Iowa are participating in this coalition, as well as community leaders such as former Sens. Maggie Tinsman and Florence Buhr, and Bishop Julius Trimble.

Vander Plaats' efforts demonstrate how a special interest group with a defined political agenda can undermine the integrity and impartiality of our courts. Iowa for Freedom is financed by one extremist group from Tupelo, Miss., American Family Association, that does not have the best interests of Iowans at heart.

Justice should be the guiding light of the courts, not politics. In order to maintain that high standard, the retention of Iowa judges should be based on their ability to uphold the law fairly and consistently - not political retribution for the outcome of a single decision.

Please visit www.justicenotpolitics.org to learn more about Iowa's court system and to join our coalition.

Sally Pederson and Joy Corning are former Iowa lieutenant governors.