The General Assembly yesterday endorsed Gov. Timothy M. Kaine's picks for the Virginia Supreme Court and Court of Appeals after Republicans retreated from their threat to throw the two judges off the bench.
The GOP-controlled House had demanded the Democratic Senate let it select the next member of the State Corporation Commission in return for approving Justice S. Bernard Goodwyn and appeals Judge LeRoy F. Millette Jr.
Goodwyn and Millette were backed for full terms -- 12 years and 8 years, respectively -- by unanimous votes in the House of Delegates and the Virginia Senate.
"These guys are good guys," said Del. Terry G. Kilgore, R-Scott, a member of the House Republican leadership. Kilgore said that his caucus still has time to prevail in the intra-chamber squabble over the SCC, which regulate business and industry.
"There are plenty of opportunities to take care of ourselves," Kilgore said.
The General Assembly has until March 5 -- three days before the scheduled adjournment -- to select a successor to retired SCC Judge Theodore V. Morrison Jr., a former delegate.
Should the legislature fail to agree on a new commissioner, the appointment would be tossed to Kaine.
Currently, the House favors Bernard L. McNamee II, a Republican lawyer-lobbyist and former gubernatorial aide. The Senate is backing former Del. Barnie K. Day, D-Patrick, a bank executive who yesterday was endorsed by Rep. Virgil H. Goode Jr., R-5th
"I believe that Barnie would bring enthusiasm, independence and good experience to the SCC from his banking and public-service background," Goode said in a letter to delegates.
Contact Jeff E. Schapiro at (804) 649-6814 or jschapiro@timesdispatch.com.
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