The high court on Monday refused to hear an appeal from Iowa conservatives challenging the Judicial Nominating Commission's makeup.

 

The Iowa Bar Association elects seven of the 15 commissioners. The chair is a member of the Iowa Supreme Court, while seven other commissioners are appointed by the governor, a system adopted by voters in 1962. The commission recommends finalists to the governor, who makes the final decision.

 

The lawsuit argued the commission gives too much influence to lawyers and is unconstitutional because non-lawyers have no say in those appointments.

 

Lower courts have said the system does not violate ordinary citizens' rights.