Supreme Court Finalists - BE HEARD

[DU9598]

The Governor will - in the next 30 days - make an appointment to the Iowa Supreme Court. The nominations for three finalists came from a board of advisors. This is a good system. The finalists consist of two corporate/defense attorneys and a former plaintiff's attorney who is presently on the Iowa Court of Appeals.

Looking at the demographics of the Court, this may be Gov. Culver's only appointment to the Court during his first term - perhaps the only appointment in the next 8 years. That said, it is time for progressives to make sure that neither of the corporate, defense attorneys are given the position. There are consistently issues before our court that affect the health care and safety of Iowans, including children, the elderly, and workers.

Here is the finalist list:

Commission Names Nominees for Iowa Supreme Court
Des Moines, Iowa, March 7, 2008— The State Judicial Nominating Commission has selected a slate of three nominees to fill the upcoming vacancy on the Iowa Supreme Court that will occur when Justice Jerry Larson retires on May 17. The nominees are:

Connie Alt, Cedar Rapids, Age 47,
Attorney—Shuttleworth & Ingersoll P.C., (DEFENSE FIRM)
J.D., 1985, University of Iowa

David Baker, Cedar Rapids, Age 55,
Court of Appeals Judge (appointed 2006),
J.D., 1979, University of Iowa

Thomas Waterman, Pleasant Valley, Age 48,
Attorney—Lane & Waterman L.L.P., Davenport, (DEFENSE FIRM)
J.D., 1984, University of Iowa

PLEASE CONTACT GOV. CULVER'S OFFICE and request that David Baker be appointed to the Iowa Supreme Court. The Governor must appoint someone to the Court who represents his values. Neither corporatist defender can match David Baker in terms of qualifications.

PLEASE CHECK BACK IN AFTER YOU CONTACT GOVERNOR CULVER'S OFFICE - 515.281.5211 OR <http://www.governor.iowa.gov/administration/contact/>

[Debi]

1. JMO - I don't think we need any more insurance defense attorneys

on the SCourt. I don't personally know any of the finalists - but I don't think we need Iowa's SC to get any more conservative. So for that reason I'd say call for Governor Culver to appoint Dave Baker. :hi:

Here's more information on Judge Baker:

http://www.judicial.state.ia.us/court_of_appeals/judges/david_l_baker/index.asp

Judge Baker, Cedar Rapids, was appointed to the Court of Appeals in 2006. Baker attended the University of Iowa in Iowa City where he received his bachelor's degree in 1975 and law degree in 1979.

Following graduation from law school, Judge Baker was in private practice for 25 years before his appointment as a district court judge in the Sixth Judicial District in 2005.

[DU9598]

2. Thanks Debi

I hope you and others can get the word to Governor Culver that this appointment matters to all progressive Iowans and that we are watching.

[DU9598]

3. If there is any interest ...

I would recommend that emails be sent to the Governor's office in the next day or two. It is appearing to be an uphill battle, so any help would be terrific!!!!

[DU9598]

4. Thanks Everyone

We got David Baker on the Court. This is a great victory for progressives in Iowa.

[progressoid]

5. Yea!!

:woohoo:

[Debi]

6. Congrats DU9598

:bounce:

[rurallib]

7. Thank you!!!!!!