Zarella Withdraws Nomination

Following the revelation by State Supreme Court Justice David M. Borden that former Chief Justice William Sullivan had delayed the release of a controversial case to help his nomination, Justice Peter Zarella asked Gov. Rell to withdraw his name from nomination for Chief Justice:

Zarella said it was apparent that lawmakers would not hold a public hearing on his nomination this legislative session, which ends May 3. That would mean his nomination would not receive final action during the session.

But Zarella, a West Hartford Republican, did not rule out being a possible nominee after the session ends. (AP)

There are all sorts of questions, here, about what happens next; but what I think is most likely is the following scenario:

Rell could nominate Zarella or someone else for an interim appointment for chief justice after the legislature adjourns. The General Assembly's Judiciary Committee could then hold a public hearing and vote to confirm the nominee until January, when the full legislature returns for the 2007 session and could vote on a permanent appointment. (AP)

Whether he'll be confirmed at that hearing is debatable, as his role in Sullivan's delay is brought to light.

This nomination fight has consumed a number of needed ethics and campaign finance reforms, unfortunately. We'll see if those bills re-appear as amendments.

And we'll see whether Peter Zarella ever becomes Chief Justice.

Source

"Zarella wants Rell to withdraw his nomination for chief justice." Associated Press 25 April, 2006.