Partisan Battle to Appoint to Virginia Supreme Court

Virginia is one of only two states in which the legislature selects the supreme court. As noted earlier,   A Democratic governor recently filled a vacancy with someone (Justice Jane Marum Roush) the Republican legislature recently chose to replace.As the Richmond Times reports, "If the legislature remains in session, Roush would have to leave the court 30 days from Monday without legislative endorsement. If it remains adjourned, McAuliffe could appoint her to another interim term that would last until 30 days following the next session of the General Assembly.

Partisan Controversy on Oklahoma Judicial Nominating Commission

The Oklahoma Judicial Nominating Commission was accused of playing partisan politics, according to the Oklahoman. The Commission suggested only two candidates, both Democrats, for a judgeship even though required by law to submit three candidates. "The two candidates whose names were provided to the governor were Democrats, and the two who were eliminated were Republican, said Rep. Justin Wood, R-Shawnee. Commission leaders say their search produced only two qualified candidates, and party politics had nothing to do with it."

Ohio Judicial Selection

Ohio's Chief Justice Maureen O'Connor advocates several changes to the state's judical elections, including holding them on odd years, and moving judicial candidates closer to the top of the ballot. She also supports what cleveland.com describes as "voter education" about judicial candidates, which "will take shape Sept. 1 with the launch of a website at judicialvotescount.org that will allow candidates to post detailed profile information -- albeit on a voluntary basis."

Virginia Supreme Court Selection

Virginia is one of only two states in which the legislature selects the state's highest court. As the Washington Post explains, "Judicial appointments generally are left to the legislature. But when it’s not in session, the governor may fill a vacancy." A Democratic governor filled a vacancy with someone the Republican legislature recently chose to replace.