Governor rejects five JNC slates: Bar calls for more lawyers who want to serve on a JNC.

Gov. Rick Scott rejected five slates of judicial nomination commission nominees submitted by the Bar.

Scott asked the Bar to submit a new slate of nominees for the Second District Court of Appeal. Third DCA, Sixth, Seventh, and 20th circuit judicial nominating commissions.

In a December 27 letter to Bar President Bill Schifino, Scott's general counsel, William Spicola, wrote: "After careful consideration and in reliance upon [section]43.291 (1)(a), Florida Statutes, the governor respectfully requests that The Florida Bar submit a list of three different recommended nominees for appointment to the" aforementioned JNCs.

"The governor understands and appreciates the Bar's time and effort in vetting and selecting nominees for appointment," Spicola said. "Thank you for your important work, and we look forward to receiving additional names for consideration."

Accordingly, The Florida Bar must submit a list of three different nominees for each vacancy to the governor for appointment (See Notice, page 3).

"While we are disappointed, we respect the governor and his prerogative to do what he has done; so we will be sending him new names," said Bar President Bill Schifino...