Governor Tim Kaine announced three appointments to the Norfolk Circuit Court Tuesday, filling three seats that have been empty for quite some time. The appointment come after it was previously reported that a deal had been reached between Norfolk and Virginia Beach legislators.
The appointees are:
- Jerrauld Jones, who is being elevated from the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court
- Louis Sherman, who is being elevated from the General District Court
- Jack Doyle, the current Commonwealth’s Attorney
The appointments are interim appointments, since the legislature can choose to overturn them when it reconvenes in January. Whether the deal holds up remains to be seen. I had a spirited discussion with a couple of local legislators yesterday and there was no consensus on this.
The elevation of the two judges creates openings in the lower courts, and The Virginian Pilot reports this morning that there are candidates in the wings. Chief Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney Robert Slaughter will take the helm of that office until a special election to fill the seat can be held. It is my understanding that Slaughter will not be a candidate for election and that another candidate, as yet unannounced, will be running.
VIVIAN J. PAIGE | All Politics is Local 