A group of ten members of the Oklahoma Legislature has penned a letter to the Judicial Nominating Committee urging it to select candidates for an open spot on the Oklahoma Supreme Court who are free from political agendas and focused on the law.
The Judicial Nominating Committee, or JNC, is responsible for vetting candidates for state judicial positions. Since voters decided not to retain Justice Yvonne Kauger in the November General Election, there is an historic open seat on the Supreme Court. It was the first time since the state of Oklahoma adopted retention ballots for judges in 1967 a judge was not retained.
Senator Brent Howard led the letter.
“Oklahoma voters demanded change on the state’s Supreme Court, and the Judicial Nominating Commission would be wise to listen,” said Sen. Howard. “Oklahomans are tired of appointed judges playing politics from the bench and ignoring the rule of law. As the JNC vets candidates for this historic appointment, I encourage them to nominate individuals who will uphold the Constitution, put the law above partisanship, and restore Oklahomans’ trust in our judicial system. This is a rare opportunity to ensure the next justice reflects the values and priorities of the people of Oklahoma.”
The JNC will provide a list of candidates to Governor Kevin Stitt. From there, Stitt will select the next Oklahoma Supreme Court Justice. Stitt has appointed three Justices, so far. They are M. John Kane IV, Dana Kuehn, and Dustin P. Rowe, who is now serving as Chief Justice.
“While we do not advocate for a partisan appointment by the JNC, we strongly encourage the members to send only quality recommendations to the Governor to fill this historic vacancy. We believe it is important for the JNC to promote nominees who will make decisions based on what the law says – not what they would like it to say,” the lawmakers wrote.
The following lawmakers signed the letter:
Sen. Brent Howard, R-Altus
Senate Majority Floor Leader Julie Daniels, R-Bartlesville
Sen. Todd Gollihare, R-Kellyville
Sen. Adam Pugh, R-Edmond
Sen. Brian Guthrie, R-Bixby
House Speaker Pro Tem Anthony Moore, R-Clinton
Rep. John Pfeiffer, R-Mulhall
Rep. Mark Lepak. R-Claremore
Rep. John Kane, R-Bartlesville
Rep. Neil Hays, R-Checotah
