State Supreme Court Seat Filled

Governor Phil Bredesen has named Cornelia Clark to replace retiring state
supreme court chief justice Frank Dowrota.

Clark is currently director of the administrative office of the courts.
Bredesen says her experience in dealing with the everyday
workings of the court made her an ideal candidate.

“I think probably more importantly though, it’s just I felt very comfortable
with her, and ultimately these things come down to a personal choice that
you’re making, it’s one of the powers of a governor, one of the things you
get to do if you’re elected. I’ve known her for quite awhile and like her
very much, as I say I like both of them very much, they’re both good people
but I was ultimately a little more comfortable with her.”

Bredesen chose Clark from a short list of candidates chosen by the Tennessee Judicial Selection Commission. Also in the running was Court of Appeals Judge Bill Koch. Circuit Judge John A. Turnbull removed himself from consideration late last month.