Opposing groups make bus stops in CR for retention election

Ann Christenson braved the blustery winds Wednesday  to support the three Iowa Supreme Court justices up for retention.

“I think we have the most respected judicial system and this wasn't a decision for same-sex marriage, it was for equal rights,” Christenson, of Iowa City, said outside the Linn County Courthouse.

Christenson was one in more than 100 supporting the “Homegrown for Justice” tour making the rounds this week to support the retention of Chief Justice Marsha Ternus and justices Michael Streit and David Baker and oppose campaign Iowa for Freedom's “Judge's Bus Tour” to oust the justices.

Last year, the justices made the Varnum decision, declaring the Defense in Marriage Act unconstitutional because it violated equal protection rights. The ruling led to legalizing same-sex marriage in the state and the creation of a campaign to oust the justices.

The group eventually moved inside because of the harsh, chilly winds and crowded the main floor lobby as the group chanted “Yes, Yes, Yes” to retention and tour members spoke.

Bob Rush, an Cedar Rapids attorney, said a “no” vote is bad for the state and “will send the wrong message.” The system in place for the last 50 years has been independent and free of politics.

“Bob Vander Plaats (Iowa for Freedom sponsor) is encouraging a “no” vote on every judge, ” Rush said. “If that would happen, we might as well open open up all the jails in the state because the courts wouldn't be able to continue without judges.”

Ruth Harkin, attorney, wife of Sen. Tom Harkin and member on the  tour, said this was the last place partisan views need to be interjected.

“Our state is the envy of others because of our independent courts,” Harkin said. “Our system in our state works and we need to protect it.”

A few minutes later on the other side of downtown, the “Judge's Bus Tour” gathered at Greene Square Park. This group was smaller, about 50 or so, but their message to oust the justices came across strong.

Sandra Walcott, of Cedar Rapids, said she was there in support of voting “No” to retention Nov. 2.

“They took it upon themselves to make a decision that was unconstitutional,” Walcott said. “They ruled according to their opinions.”

Walcott said she believes the justices are prejudice and favor homosexuality.

Cecil Ballard, of Marion, said he was there to support Congressman Steve King in his campaign to vote down the justices.

“They overstepped their boundaries and changed a decision that had already been made – the Defense of Marriage Act,” Ballard said.

King, who made some comments, was heckled by a group from the opposing side.

They yelled “Equal rights aren't special rights” as King said the justices had no right to question the “law of the land” and marriage as defined between one man and one woman. The “rouge” court came up with rights “unimaginable” in the constitution.

“You are the people and our rights come from God,” King said.

He encouraged the group to vote out judges, the governor and the president if they are “out of control.”