Bredesen says he’ll select appeals court judge

Gov. Phil Bredesen said Monday that he does plan on filling the open spot on the state Court of Appeals and would not reject the panel.

A decision is expected today, Bredesen said.

The governor had been exasperated at the state Judicial Selection Commission for not sending him a slate of nominees for the Court of Appeals spot that included a minority. The three nominees were two white males and a white female.

For those who watch judicial appointments, Bredesen warring with the Judicial Selection Commission isn’t anything new.

Prior to the Court of Appeals statements, Bredesen had been irritated with the Judicial Selection Commission for their nominees for the state Supreme Court.

The battle between Bredesen and the Judicial Selection Commission, which resulted in a lawsuit, began after Bredesen rejected a panel and called for “qualified minority candidates” to be submitted.

Monday, Bredesen said he was “happy with the panel” and said he was growing accustom to dealing with the Judicial Selection Commission.

“I’m getting used to living in the world that I live in here,” Bredesen said.

The three candidates up for consideration are the following:

- Andy Bennett, Chief Deputy Attorney General

- Donald Capparella, Attorney, Dodson, Parker & Behm, P.C., Nashville

- Amy V. Hollars, Attorney, Livingston, Tennessee

The one who is selected will replace Bill Koch, who Bredesen picked for the state Supreme Court.

- John Rodgers