PMC Likes Judges, Not the Process

The political maneuvering that led to last week's confirmation of four state judges -- including Judge John Cleland -- has prompted a renewed call for a change in the way Pennsylvania fills its appellate court vacancies. A six-month stalemate between the governor and Senate Republicans has just ended with confirmation of a second slate of judicial nominees. While Pennsylvanians for Modern Courts likes the judges -- it doesn't agree with the system. Shira Goodman says they endorse "merit selection," which starts with an independent commission recommending judicial candidates; and culminates in a retention vote on the interim judges. Legislation is in the works, but this requires a constitutional amendment.