In lawsuit, Democratic lawmakers argue judicial selection changes are unconstitutional
DES MOINES, Iowa — A group of Democratic lawmakers and attorneys are suing over recent changes by Republicans to the judicial selection process in Iowa, asking a Polk County Judge on Monday to put a temporary block on the law until the case---which alleges the changes violate the state Constitution---is settled in court.
The policy in question is tucked into a budget bill that was passed in the final days of the legislative session. It changes the make up of the panel that nominates judges to the Iowa Court of Appeals and the Iowa Supreme Court, tipping the scale to give the governor one more pick on the 17-member State Judicial Nominating Commission. Traditionally, the configuration of the commission was equal parts governor's appointees and lawyers.