Florida Supreme Court Chief Justice Jorge Labarga says he considered race, gender and geography – but not a political litmus test – for his highly sought after appointments to the Constitution Revision Commission.
Court records show Labarga had no shortage of high-powered candidates. The list of 70 applicants includes a former House speaker and law school dean and even a former lieutenant governor.
In the end, Labarga chose a carefully balanced slate of three attorneys – former Senate Democratic Leader Arthenia Joyner from Tampa, former U.S. Attorney Roberto Martinez of Coral Gables and former Florida Bar President Hank Coxe of Jacksonville.
Larbarga insists he wasn’t looking for candidates to counter court critics, including House Speaker Richard Corcoran, who is calling for judicial term limits.
“No discussion was made as far as what’s expected of them on how to vote on things. I’m appointing them for their experience and what I believe will be their judgment based on that experience.”
Labarga says he resisted calls from supporters to appoint himself. The CRC meets every two decades and its 37 members have the power to put measures directly on next year’s ballot.
Unfortunately for Labarga, legislative leaders and Governor Rick Scott make the bulk of CRC appointments.
