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Feb. 18, 2019Des Moines, IA |  By: AP

Iowa legislators propose naming judges

Nearly 50 years after Iowa moved to reduce partisanship
in its court system, Republicans who control the governor's office and the
Legislature say it's time to give politicians greater control.

Legislative leaders want to change how judges are chosen after being
repeatedly frustrated by court rulings on topics like gay marriage and abortion.

The Iowa proposal appears to be part of a national effort in conservative
states to bring the courts into sync with the other branches of government.
Iowa is among at least four states where Republican lawmakers are trying to
lessen the role of attorneys on judicial nominating panels, a move some critics
say could lessen public faith in the judiciary.

If the change is approved in Iowa, Republicans would name 12 of 16 available
positions.