HARRISBURG - Superior Court President Judge Correale F. Stevens and former U.S. Rep. Tim Holden face what could be a quick Senate confirmation process with their nominations to key posts by Gov. Tom Corbett.
Mr. Stevens, a Luzerne County Republican, was nominated Thursday to fill a pivotal vacancy on the state Supreme Court on a temporary basis. The state's highest court has seven members, but a vacancy has existed since the resignation last month of Pittsburgh Republican Joan Orie Melvin following her conviction on political corruption charges. The court is currently tied 3-3 between judges with Republican and Democratic affiliations.
Mr. Holden, a Schuylkill County Democrat, was nominated to fill a seat on the three-member state Liquor Control Board. He left Congress last year after being defeated for renomination in his northeast congressional district.
The governor also nominated former state Democratic Sen. Sean Logan of Allegheny County to a seat on the state Turnpike Commission and Senate Democratic caucus attorney Gladys Brown to a seat on the state Public Utility Commission.
Mr. Corbett's latest nominations follow a Harrisburg political tradition where a nominee is of the same party as the previous seat occupant. The nominees face a two-third confirmation vote in the 50-member Senate. Republicans control the Senate by a 27-23 majority, so that means a bipartisan vote is needed for confirmation.
The Senate hopes to wrap up the confirmation process before lawmakers finish work at month's end for the spring legislative session.
"There's still time to consider the nominations this month, so that's the goal," said Erik Arneson, spokesman for Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi, R-9, Chester.
The first step in this process is hearings before respective Senate oversight committees. In Mr. Stevens' case, it's the Senate Judiciary Committee. For Mr. Holden, it's the Senate Law and Justice Committee.
A one-time House lawmaker, Mr. Stevens said he viewed the nomination "as an exciting opportunity for me to continue my judicial career."
"I understand, appreciate and have great respect for the legislative process, and will reserve further comment until I meet with the Senate Judiciary Committee," he added.
Senate Minority Leader Jay Costa, D-43, Pittsburgh, said his caucus supports the batch of nominees whom he described as being balanced, thoughtful and crossing political lines.
"Judge Stevens is a skilled, experienced jurist with a long career on the bench and in other public service positions," said Mr. Costa.
"Rep. Holden will be able to continue his work in public service and will play a significant role in shaping policies that meet the needs of Pennsylvania as a member of the LCB," he said.
The Pennsylvania Bar Association called for quick action on Mr. Stevens' confirmation. "The PBA has strongly advocated for the Supreme Court's return to its full complement of seven justices, and we are hopeful the Pennsylvania Senate will act quickly and favorably on the governor's nomination," a statement said.
While lawmakers are currently debating legislation to privatize the state liquor stores at Mr. Corbett's urging, there would still be a Liquor Control Board under a privatized system.
A House-approved privatization bill gives the LCB authority to issue retail liquor licenses and regulate and enforce liquor laws.
"It's what they (LCB) should be doing," said Stephen Miskin, spokesman for House Majority Leader Mike Turzai, R-28, Pittsburgh, adding that state government shouldn't be selling liquor.
Contact the writer: rswift@timesshamrock.com