DES MOINES — Senate Republican lawmakers revived an effort that would give the governor more power in the process of selecting Iowa district court judges.
The bill would remove the most senior judge in the district from the judicial nominating commission. Instead, the governor would be allowed to appoint an additional member. With the addition, the governor would be able to appoint six or a majority of the members to each judicial nominating commission.
Shortages of court reporters and contract lawyers continue to challenge Iowa’s courts, Iowa Supreme Court Chief Justice Susan Christensen said Wednesday, as does low pay for judges.