The Republican House of Delegates and Democratic Senate are locked in a battle over judicial appointments that threatens to remove to judges from the bench:
RICHMOND, Feb. 7 — The Republican-controlled Virginia House and Democrat-controlled Senate are locked in a battle over which party should pick replacements for open statewide judgeships.
A showdown is looming for Friday, when the chambers, which are being run by different parties for the first time since Reconstruction, must confirm two judges appointed by the governor, or the nominees will lose the posts. It would be the first major disagreement between the chambers since the legislative session began in January.
(…)
Before the legislative session started, Gov. Timothy M. Kaine (D) appointed S. Bernard Goodwyn to the state Supreme Court. Goodwyn is the second African American to be named to the high court. Kaine picked former Prince William County Circuit Court Judge LeRoy F. Millette Jr. for a spot on the Court of Appeals, the state’s second-highest court. Millette oversaw the trial of Washington area sniper John Allen Muhammad.
The judges have begun serving, although they must be confirmed by the House and Senate by midnight Friday. If they aren’t, Kaine can re-appoint them, but not until after the legislature adjourns, which is scheduled for March 8.
Judge Millette is a good judge and it would be unfortunate if he got caught up in this partisan battle.
Update: Per this comment, the issue has apparently been resolved.
February 8th, 2008 at 4:55 pm
This story is untimely. The House and Senate elected both Justice Goodwyn and Judge Millette at approximately 1:00 p.m. The elections were effected by the passage of House Resolutions 11 and 12 and Senate Resolutions 7 and 8 under bicameral special order set by House Joint Resolution 371 and Senate Joint Resolution 172.
February 8th, 2008 at 4:55 pm
That should be HJR 372, not HJR 371.