Campaign contributions would taint Iowa courts

Those who are upset about the changing landscape in the judicial selection process don't seem to see how this can rejuvenate the state's economy. For example, $9 million was raised for one Illinois Supreme Court election.

Consider how many judges we have in Iowa and multiply by figures like this. You are talking about big bucks. Think of all the jobs these contributions would generate for campaign staffs, crews to produce those wonderful attack ads, etc.

And what do we have to give up for this economic bonanza? Only the knowledge that when we go to court, we will get a fair hearing before an impartial, knowledgeable judge. Turn to Deuteronomy in the Bible and see what it says about choosing judges. “You shall not take bribes, for bribes blind the eyes of the wise and upset the plea of the just. Justice, justice shall you pursue.”

Substitute “campaign contributions” for “bribes,” and you will understand that judges who accept them are likely to see only one side of the case. If we follow Mr. Bob Vander Plaats, we will have a judicial system that follows the Golden Rule - he who has the gold gets the ruling he wants.

Mitchell A. Levin

Cedar Rapids