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Senator West proposes compromise to cut most contested circuit‑court races while preserving checks on gubernatorial appointments
Summary
Senate Bill 954, introduced by Sen. West, would change the confirmation process for circuit court nominees: nominees confirmed by more than 80% of the senate would serve without a contested election; nominees receiving 50%–80% would be confirmed but required to run in a contested election; nominees with under 50% would fail confirmation. Sponsor
Senator Douglas West presented Senate Bill 954, a constitutional amendment and appointment‑process reform that would change how circuit court judicial nominees are confirmed and whether they face contested elections.
Under the proposal, the governor would continue to nominate circuit court candidates (likely using the judicial nominating commission). A nominee who receives more than 80% of the state senate vote would be seated and would not face a contested election. A nominee who receives less than 50% of the senate vote…
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