Texas Governor Names State Supreme Court's First Black Chief Justice

[cal04]

Wallace B. Jefferson, a descendant of slaves and the first black member of the Texas Supreme Court, became the court's first black chief justice Tuesday. Gov. Rick Perry appointed Jefferson to replace Tom Phillips, who stepped down earlier this month after nearly 17 years as chief justice to become a law professor in Houston.

"I am deeply honored to accept this appointment," said Jefferson, accompanied by his parents, wife and three young sons.

Asked about the historic significance of his selection, he said: "There's very little that stands in our way if we prepare ourselves. There's no limits to what this country will allow you to do."Perry's appointment of Jefferson is subject to approval by the Texas Senate after it convenes in January for its regular biennial session, but Jefferson will hold the job in the meantime.

"I believe no one is more prepared to lead this court as it renders decisions of extreme importance to a great many Texans," the Republican governor said. Jefferson, 41, of San Antonio, is among the nine-member court's more conservative members. After being appointed to the court to fill a vacancy in 2001, he was elected to a full four-year term the following year.


http://ap.tbo.com/ap/breaking/MGBYTMMT4ZD.html

[ThomCat]

1. So how concervative is he?

[Justitia]

2. Very - a good friend of big biz, esp. the insurance industry

The TX State Supreme Court is comprised of 100% REPUBLICANS.
It sucks.
I wouldn't go so far as to call him a token Clarence Thomas, but I gotta admit, it was the first thing to leap to my mind.

Good news, in November we have an honest-to-goodness Democrat running for the state supreme court, a Dean Dozen sponsored Dem, in fact.

David Van Os, Democrat for Tx Supreme Court - Place 9

http://www.vanosforsupremecourt.com/