As the Judicial Nominating Commission (JNC) of Oklahoma gears up to begin its interviews for a new Supreme Court justice, a contingent of state lawmakers has made their stance clear. In a communication released on Monday, ten legislators, composed of five senators and five representatives, have called upon the commission to put forth candidates who stand clear of political influence and adhere firmly to the principles of law. The letter illuminates the heightened public interest in the Supreme Court of Oklahoma and its justices, particularly following a precedent-setting decision by voters to not retain an incumbent justice.
Leading the charge is Sen. Brent Howard, R-Altus, who has emphasized the electorate's desire for change, according to a statement released by the Oklahoma State Senate. Howard stresses the importance of this nomination, given that it is the first time a justice has failed to secure retention since 1967, "Oklahomans are tired of appointed judges playing politics from the bench and ignoring the rule of law." The senator calls for the elevation of jurists who will "uphold the Constitution, put the law above partisanship, and restore Oklahomans’ trust in our judicial system."
The recommendation process places the JNC in a position to suggest three nominees to Governor Kevin Stitt, who will then make the final decision on who will join the Oklahoma Supreme Court. While the lawmakers have expressly stated they are not advocating for a partisan appointment by the JNC, they are unanimous in their call for only quality recommendations to the governor for this significant vacancy.
"We believe it is important for the JNC to promote nominees who will make decisions based on what the law says – not what they would like it to say," the legislators expressed in the letter as per the Oklahoma Senate website. This sentiment reflects an overarching concern for judicial impartiality and the integrity of the rule of law over political leanings, the, lawmakers argue, that the principles of justice should stand above the fray of political expediency.
The signatories of the letter are a mix of seasoned and emerging voices in the Oklahoma legislature, including Senate Majority Floor Leader Julie Daniels, R-Bartlesville; Sen. Todd Gollihare, R-Kellyville; Sen. Adam Pugh, R-Edmond; Sen. Brian Guthrie, R-Bixby; House Speaker Pro Tem Anthony Moore, R-Clinton; Rep. John Pfeiffer, R-Mulhall; Rep. Mark Lepak, R-Claremore; Rep. John Kane, R-Bartlesville; and Rep. Neil Hays, R-Checotah.
