Rivera-Soto says Soto-nara

Yesterday Justice Rivera-Soto of the NJ Supreme Court sent a letter to Governor Christie to inform him that he will not be seeking reappointment to the high court when his term expires. Many of you will recall that Rivera-Soto has been under fire from the left for refusing to participate in any cases until the Justice Wallace’s former seat on the court is filled by a true appointment, rather than the place holder selected by Chief Justice Rabner. There has been talk of a formal impeachment of Rivera-Soto by the legislature and Senate President Sweeney has called for his immediate resignation.

Rivera-Soto’s letter cites his desire to return to a career in private legal practice after spending nearly a third of his professional life in public service. While I’d hate to see a more conservative voice depart from the otherwise insane court, this move should have Christie breathing a sigh of relief. Having to reappoint Rivera-Soto would be a political nightmare considering he essentially refuses to carry out his duty (even if it is in protest of Sweeney refusing to carry out his own). Christie’s argument for reappointment would almost be as impossible to make as Sweeney’s argument for not giving Anne Patterson a hearing. In response the Governor had this to say:

245 days ago I nominated Anne Patterson to the State Supreme Court because of her high level of legal intellect, character and compassion. Today, 245 days later, she has yet to receive a fair hearing as required by New Jersey’s Constitution while a seat on our highest court continues to remain vacant.  I will not provide a nominee to fill Justice Rivera-Soto’s seat until Anne Patterson receives the hearing that she deserves and that the Senate is constitutionally obligated to provide.

Clearly this whole situation revolves around the Patterson appointment. And therefore the deflated court and its malfunctioning tendencies fall squarely on the lap of Steve Sweeney. Until Patterson, who is more than qualified to fill the shoes of former-Justice Wallace, can have a hearing before the Senate, which will undoubtedly end in her confirmation, the court will either have 1 illegitimate member and an empty seat, or two non-gubernatorially appointed Justices. Either way, it is no way for the New Jersey Supreme Court to function and President Sweeney should take full responsibilty, rather than jumping on Justice Rivera-Soto for taking a stand against a clearly unconstitutional move by the Senate. Tomorrow will be day 246 without a hearing. Its 246 days too many.

Brian McGovern
About Brian McGovern 748 Articles
Brian McGovern wears many hats these days including Voorhees Township GOP Municipal Chairman, South Jersey attorney, and co-owner of the Republican campaign consulting firm Exit 3 Strategies, Inc.