By law, the current Chief Justice of North Carolina has to step down when they turn 72. The current Chief Justice passes that birthday this August, which has prompted the Governor to appoint Justice Mark Martin (who is also a candidate for the slot)  to fill the void temporarily until the general election in November. This turn of events has the other candidate on the ticket making some angry sounding statements:

Martin’s appointment, Lewis said, takes away voters’ rights to select the makeup of the high court.

“People are offended when the choice is made for them,” Lewis said. “I believe people want to exercise their right to vote. Mark Martin will have the distinct honor of being the shortest-serving chief justice in the state of North Carolina.” – Port City Daily

It’s a temporary appointment. No one is usurping the rights of the voting public here. I think what bears looking at here is that the Governor felt Martin, as Senior Associate Justice for 8 years,  was the most qualified to fill that role.

The Port City article has more detail on the race, some of which I’ve already covered here on the blog.  One new tidbit reported is that Lewis has also hired a campaign manager. The same one who took down Eric Cantor. Looks like things are going to get nasty in the Supreme Court race.

Catch up on the Supreme Court Justice Races:

• The NC Supreme Court Races
• NC Supreme Court Races: Chief Justice Race
• NC Supreme Court Races: Chief Justice Race Part 2
• NC Supreme Court Races: Chief Justice Race Updates
• NC GOP Judicial Candidate Endorsements
• About That General Election Ballot…