Speaker Howell, Senate Majority Leader Norment on Governor McAuliffe’s decision to reappoint Justice Roush to the Supreme Court

“The Governor’s decision to exercise his interim appointment authority is a direct violation of the plain language of the Constitution of Virginia. Several cases from other states and multiple official opinions from state attorneys general lead to the same conclusion: the General Assembly remains in session and, therefore, the Governor lacks the authority to make interim appointments to the Supreme Court.

“The Governor’s insistence on exercising his appointment powers in a manner exceeding his constitutional authority places the Supreme Court of Virginia in an untenable position.  Additionally, it calls into question any decisions the Court may issue between now and when a new justice is lawfully elected by the General Assembly.”