Governor Says His Previous Appeals Court Picks Are Hints to His Next Ones | Daily Report

Gov. Nathan Deal gave just two hints about whom he might choose to fill three new seats on the state Court of Appeals—someone a lot like his last few appointments, and someone young.

Deal, who spoke to the Atlanta Press Club Wednesday afternoon, is poised to sign legislation increasing judicial pay and expanding the appeals court from 12 to 15 judges.

Those three appointments would raise the number of appellate judges appointed by Deal to eight. Those pending appointments also will give Deal the opportunity to leave a significant and lasting impression on the appellate bench, as he will have named almost half of the Court of Appeals’ judges.

“The governor has a special responsibility to make good choices and good judgment calls,” Deal told the press club. “I am pleased with the individuals I’ve had the opportunity to appoint.”

Deal named Michael Boggs, then a superior court judge in Waycross, to the Court of Appeals in 2011. Deal named William “Billy” Ray II, then a Gwinnett County Superior Court judge, and Lisa Branch, a former Bush administration lawyer, to the Court of Appeals in 2012. And in 2013, Deal named Carla Wong McMillian, a former Fayette County State Court judge.

Deal’s one state Supreme Court appointment so far is Justice Keith Blackwell, whom Deal elevated from the Court of Appeals in 2012.

“I think these individuals are the kind of people who I think will serve our state well,” Deal said.

As evidenced by his previous appointments, Deal may be eying sitting judges on lower courts. Appointing a trial court judge would open yet another judicial appointment opportunity for the governor.

via Governor Says His Previous Appeals Court Picks Are Hints to His Next Ones | Daily Report.