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Supreme Court Side Steps Issue

By AP

Oklahoma City, OK – Okla. Supreme Court denies constitutional challenge

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) The Oklahoma Supreme Court has rejected a constitutional challenge against the state's Judicial Nominating Commission.

The high court on Tuesday overruled claims in a lawsuit that challenged the makeup of the commission that nominates candidates to fill judicial vacancies.

The case could have affected some recent judicial appointments including at least one Supreme Court justice.

Gov. Brad Henry last month appointed Oklahoma County District Judge Noma Gurich to fill a vacancy on the high court. The court rejected arguments by opponents who said the appointment may not be valid until the commission is reconstituted according to a ballot measure approved by voters in November.

Gurich has yet to be sworn in to the seat left vacant by the death of Justice Marian Opala on Oct. 11.