Supreme Weekly: Five appointments in twenty-four hours

---

This article may not adhere to Ballotpedia’s current neutrality policies.

---

February 24, 2011

by Katy Farrell

IOWA

At long last, Governor Terry Branstad has announced three appointments to the Iowa Supreme Court. These justices can join the court as soon as they are sworn-in, since the state does not require Senate confirmation for appointments. Of the nominations, Branstad said, "My goal was to choose Supreme Court justices, from the available slate of candidates, who are most likely to faithfully interpret the laws and Constitution, and respect the separation of powers."

First is Bruce B. Zager, who has served as a judge on the District 1B Court since August of 1999. Zager has practiced law both privately and as an assistant county attorney.

Edward Mansfield is currently a judge on the Iowa Court of Appeals, serving since January 2009. He was retained to his first full term in November 2010, during the same election that opened the seat to which he was appointed.

The last appointment went to Thomas Waterman, an attorney that has spent his legal career in private practice. Branstad said he appointed Waterman because he, "brings private sector experience to the Supreme Court."

The three new justices were appointed to full six-year terms, but must stand for retention in the November 2012 election. Zager, Mansfield and Waterman are all registered Republicans. Also notable, the Iowa Supreme Court will be one of the three high courts in the nation with no women serving. As discussed in last week's edition, the other are Idaho and Indiana.

CONNECTICUT

In Connecticut, Governor Dan Malloy nominated Lubbie Harper to serve on the state Supreme Court. The appointment comes one month after the resignation of Joette Katz. Of the appointment, Governor Malloy said, "In my first selection of a judicial candidate, it is a great honor to nominate Judge Lubbie Harper, Jr. to the Supreme Court. Judge Harper is an experienced, talented and fair jurist, and he will be a welcomed addition to the Court."

Harper has served as a judge on the Connecticut Appellate Court since January 2005. Before that, he was a Connecticut Superior Court judge for eight years.

Interestingly, Judge Harper will reach the mandatory retirement age of 70 in 2012, effectively only serving a one-year term. Responding to this, the governor said, "This judge based on his distinguished career, deserves to be on the Supreme court - based on his life story, deserves to be on the Supreme Court. So I can honestly tell you that time was not a factor. "

The appointment of Harper must be confirmed by the Connecticut State Legislature before he can begin serving.

MISSISSIPPI

Yesterday, Governor Haley Barbour announced the appointment of Leslie King to the Mississippi Supreme Court. King is currently the Chief Judge on the Mississippi Court of Appeals and has been on that court since it was created.

Judge King will succeed James Graves on the Supreme Court. His term expires in 2012, when he must run for retention if he wishes to continue serving. Of the appointment, Governor Barbour said, "I thank Judge King for accepting this position on the state Supreme Court. His extensive knowledge of Mississippi's legal system and his dedication to public service made him the top choice for this position.

See also

• Supreme Weekly: Women on the state Supreme Courts
• Judgepedia's Supreme Weekly: The States