The petition says that Judge Robert Hanson deliberately overstepped his authority and trampled on the sovereign rights of the Iowa legislature by legalizing gay marriage in Iowa.  Bill Salier of Everyday America spearheaded the petition drive.

“The actual success in getting him off the bench would send an incredible message. It’s already sent a message to the judiciary, in my opinion, because we’ve already put a shot across their bow letting them know that there are people out here who are becoming sick and bloody tired of living on our knees before the black robes.”

Des Moines talk show host Steve Deace of WHO Radio thinks the effort has a chance since judges don’t have to commit high treason to be impeached.

“Under the Iowa code you can impeach a judge for ‘general malfeasance.’ So that means absolutely anything.  Such as the violation of the separation of powers act by using your judgeship to instill gay marriage, which is exactly what Judge Hanson did.”

David Barton of Wall Builders says the federal impeachment process is throughout the Constitution and he’s proud of Iowa citizens for acting.

“What these guys in Iowa are doing is exactly the right thing under original intent.  The people are in charge of government, the only title in the Constitution is ‘We the People.’”

Barton says Iowans now face the political reality that their state lawmakers might not follow through with impeachment.