comments | Election 2006: Judges | typewriting

Comment by Julie

Wed, 01 Nov 2006 11:51:23 -0800

I went to the site that you recommended but still I found no answer to my question. I do not know their political leanings. Where can one go to find out?

Comment by Scott Reynen

Wed, 01 Nov 2006 14:50:45 -0800

Julie, I couldn't find any information about party affiliation for judges. I don't think they normally declare any. I believe all of the Court of Appeals judges were appointed by Vilsack, so that might indicate liberal tendencies. Other than that, I tried to find records of their case history, but I didn't find much that gave me any idea of political leanings. Please let me know if you find anything better.

Comment by Iowa Voter

Sun, 05 Nov 2006 00:19:36 -0800

I am glad to see others researching judges prior to the election. Although the Iowa Bar Association’s document is helpful, it is not always a good measurement on how well they are performing. I spend TOO MANY hours researching these judges and some of these judges should be voted out despite how other lawyers feel they are performing. For example, in a previous election, a district judge was found having sex with the district county attorney in the court house. She was disbarred and he got several months of unpaid vacation time.

Comment by Iowa Voter

Sun, 05 Nov 2006 00:27:22 -0800

By the way, here are a few resources if your many readers are inclined to research the judges before Election Day:

Arming Domestic Abusers: Failure of Iowa Courts to Uphold Federal Law That Prohibits Possession of Firearms to Domestic Abusers [PDF]

The Iowa State Bar Associate 2006 Judicial Plebiscite [PDF]

Iowans Concerned About Judges

Comment by Mikael

Mon, 06 Nov 2006 23:26:35 -0800

Judges are just lawyers in fancy robes. Vote them all out until we can get Iowa's judicial system reformed.

Comment by Vicki

Mon, 06 Nov 2006 23:55:21 -0800

I have to admit that I also voted for ppl (especially judges) based on content I found on the internet. I have strong views on certain subjects, so the US Rep was pretty easy for me to decide.

Comment by Brian

Wed, 08 Nov 2006 14:01:52 -0800

That is an interesting stance, Mikael. You do realize that each judge voted out will be replaced by another appointed judge. A judge whom you will vote not to retain having done no investigation. Sounds like a really good plan.

The Plebiscite survey seems to be a solid source. Here are a few more good resources for those of you who would like to make educated decisions next time around. http://www.ajs.org/js/IA.htm http://www.judicial.state.ia.us/