An amendment, supported by Ramsey, has been filed on SB2114 that would change who can be appointed to a judicial nomination commission and what the governor's options are when he's presented a panel. But it does not allow for direct elections of judges.
The introduction of the amendment prompted Tennessee Bar Association executive director Allan Ramsaur to say that a 'significant move' has been made and Democratic State Sen. Jim Kyle to ask for a day to evaluate. While they wouldn't say anything beyond that, the fact that the ammendment (sic) does not place judges in political campaigns through direct elections is obviously something they are pleased with.
Also, from Tom Humphrey, "More Maneuvering on Judicial Selection" (knoxnews.com):
Senate Speaker Ron Ramsey said he backed off of the elections proposal because it had become a sticking point in negotiations with supporters of the current system.Ramsey's ignoring statutes on the books that allow for the appointment of special judges for "whatever reason." (see here) And I guess we can count on Ramsey to stop at nothing to pass the "Sky Won't Fall" bill (HB2018/SB2168) that would allow the Governor to appoint interim justices until the next bi-ennial election?
"Obviously it's not where I wanted to be at the very end to tell you the truth," the Blountville Republican said. "At the same time, I've been down here for 17 years, and know that to pass something it takes 50 votes in the House and 17 in the Senate."
If lawmakers do nothing, the Tennessee plan for judicial selection will expire at the end of next month.
"I don't think just sunsetting the Judicial Selection Commission is a viable option," Ramsey said. "That would cause chaos."
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