Jockeying under way for Supreme Court
With Stephen Limbaugh’s move to the federal bench all but assured, the new guessing game in Jefferson City is who will replace him on the Missouri Supreme Court.
A number of state judges are testing the waters to see how their candidacies might fare.
You can probably put Clay County Circuit Judge Larry Harman on that list. He was in Jefferson City last week and stopped by the Capitol to chat with his legislator, Rep. Tim Flook, R-Liberty, who is unabashedly advocating Harman’s candidacy.
Harman was appointed to the bench by former Gov. John Ashcroft in 1992. In addition to having judicial experience and Republican credentials, Harman plays drums and sings in a jazz band.
(Full disclosure: Not to jinx him, but I went to high school and college with Harman, though I hadn’t seen him in over 30 years until I ran into him last week.)
If he applies, Harman will have plenty of company. Other names floating include seven Court of Appeals judges, including several appointed by Gov. Matt Blunt.
Those who might be weighing a bid include four from the Western District: Paul Spinden, James Smart, Lisa White Hardwick and Alok Ahuja; two from the Southern District: Gary Lynch and Daniel Scott; and one from the Eastern District: Kurt Odenwald.
The betting is that the Appellate Judicial Commission will give Blunt someone more to his liking this time around. Attempts to change the nonpartisan court plan failed in the legislative session that ended Friday.
OMG! Please, NOT Kurt Odenwald! He’ll probably find something in the Missouri Constitution that makes it illegal to smoke … anywhere.
As a member of the commission that will send a slate of three to replace Judge Limbaugh, my only hope is that we can provide candidates who will approach his dedication to the law, erudition, and balance.
And the process isn’t political?
Ms. Young, on what basis do you assert that certain judges “might be weighing a bid”? And what does that phrase mean? Do you know if each is considering it? Do you assume it? Have you talked to each of them?
James, The people whose names I listed are being talked about in legal circles. I haven’t spoken with them yet. I usually do a more complete piece — including contacting each of them — once there is an opening. It’s unlikely any would confirm an interest in the job before then.