Gavel Grab

Florida’s Judicial Nominating Committee has submitted a new name for a Supreme Court vacancy, according to the Miami Herald, after Governor Charlie Crist had complained that the committee’s initial list lacked a Hispanic candidate available to assume the post.

The nomination of Frank Jimenez, who is currently serving in the U.S. Navy as general counsel, came after the committee, which has openly questioned the motives of the governor’s request for a more diverse list, met last week.

Apparently there is a belief among committee members that this is a “fix” for Jimenez to be given the seat.  Committee members Arturo Alvarez spoke about those concerns.  “We should avoid the perception that our choices are influenced by the governor, regardless of his motivations,” Alvarez said. “Diversity doesn’t mean: ‘I want a specific person.”’

Marty Garcia, a Crist appointee, quickly shot back: “Nobody’s asking for a specific person.”

A clear line in the sand has been drawn within the committee, separating those members appointed by Crist supporting the governor’s decision, and those appointed in previous administrations opposing it.

More Gavel Grab posts on the Florida diversity issue can be found here.