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Governor Scott Responds To Petition To Bar Him From Appointing Supreme Court Justices

Governor Scott's Office
Credit Governor Scott's Office

Governor Scott has responded to the League of Women Voters’ petition to bar him from appointing three new Supreme Court justices in 2019.   

Governor Scott’s office reacted to the League of Women Voters of Florida, saying the petition is preemptively asking the Supreme Court to block the Governor’s appointments at the end of his term. With Scott’s term ending at the start of January 8th, 2019 his office argues he has the power to appoint justices until the Governor-Elect takes oath, giving Scott about 12 hours to make his choices.

The petition alleges that the 2019 appointments by Scott will cause future dispute, as Scott’s decision may tip the balance of power towards Republicans on his final day of office. Although Scott’s filing says the petition ignores “the plain text of the Florida Constitution,” and relies on speculation and opinion, the League of Women Voters says a new governor would be more accountable to future voters.

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Spencer Parlier
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