Posted on 10/01/2008 8:45:52 AM PDT by Happy Valley Dude
TALLAHASSEE -- Ricky L. Polston, a conservative appellate judge from a small North Florida town, was tapped Wednesday by Gov. Charlie Crist to sit on the state Supreme Court.
Polston, 52, will replace retiring Justice Kenneth Bell.
Raised on a small family farm in Graceville, Polston received his undergraduate and law degrees from Florida State University law school. He was appointed in 2000 by then-Gov. Jeb Bush to the First District Court of Appeal, which deals with the majority of legislative and executive branch feuds.
Polston singled out two cases important to him: A DCA dissent he wrote upholding Bush's school voucher program that was ultimately struck down by the Florida Supreme Court and a majority opinion upheld by the high court that determined a state law snaring Internet sex predators was lawful.
''My philosophy is I will not want to legislate from the bench,'' Polston said.
Crist joked that the soft-spoken justice was a ''man of few words'' that contrast with his experience.
''Justice Polston has extensive legal experience, having presided over more than 6k appellate cases,'' Crist said.
``Just as impressive as his legal background is his personal story. Justice Polston is a humble man from rural roots, being raised in Graceville, Fla., in the Panhandle. And he tells me he learned the value and discipline of hard work growing up there. He says he is guided everyday by the common sense and practicality instilled in him since childhood.''
Polston is also a certified public accountant, father of four daughters and adoptive father of six sons and elder at the Christian Heritage Church.
Polston's pick is the second of two appointments Crist will make this year.
In September, Crist named Second District Court of Appeal Judge Charles Canady to the post vacated by Miami Justice Raoul Cantero.
The Florida Association of Planned Parenthood Affiliates condemned both of Crist's picks, noting that, as a private lawyer, Polston ''chose to represent'' the state in its defense of the Choose Life license plate linked to anti-abortion causes.
''Supreme Court Justices can serve on the court for decades and their decisions impact the lives and health of Florida women and families for generations to come,'' the association's executive director, Adrienne Kimmell, said in a written statement. ``In two appointments, Gov. Crist has failed to demonstrate a willingness to uphold Florida's constitutionally protected right to privacy and protect women's health.''
Canady, a former state legislator and congressman is considered a conservative choice and was heavily promoted by the religious right. He led impeachment proceedings against President Bill Clinton while he was in Congress and was one of the authors of the partial birth abortion bill.
''I'm just overwhelmed by the fact that, as a first-term governor . . . to have the chance to pick four justices,'' Crist said. ``It's an amazing honor to be able to do so.''
way to go
I admit I am very pleased with 90% of Governor Crist’s moves for the State and Country, more than I can say about most politicians in Florida.
This is a great appointment!
Not to worry - if this judge ends up serving on the federal bench at some point in the future, he will “discover” that he was a liberal after all
Sounds good. Does anyone know where he stands on life and family issues?
Heavens knows the SCOFLAws need some big-time reforming, and it sounds as if this is a step in the right direction.
Considering what passes for “conservative” these days, color me skeptical. Especially when the ones applying the label are leftists like the folks at the Miami Herald. They probably think Mao was too conservative.
“Ricky L. Polston, a conservative appellate judge from a small North Florida town...”
Searching for the paper’s cataloging of previous judges as “liberal”.....
Crickets chirping.....................
David Souter.
Hey if the Honorable Jeb Bush originally appointed him he can’t be too bad.
Very good. I don’t particularly like Crist, either, but this is definitely a good appointment.
What will the Florida Supreme Court look like now? I know it’s been unreasonably liberal in years past. What does the balance of power look like?
According to Congressman Boehner Congressman Canady was the original sponsor for the ban on Partial Birth abortion, making it the issue it has become. He was chairman of the House Judiciary committee’s subcommittee on the Constitution, making him an excellent prospect for nomination to the federal bench.
I worked as a campaign volunteer two years ago for Crist. I am so happy to see some positive results of my effort.
God bless Crist, McCain and Palin
I REALLY hate having to put this out there and hope SOMEBODY can clear it up but I’ve been told by a well informed “Member of The Club” that the same whispers we hear about Souter apply to The Guv as well. SUPPOSEDLY it isn’t even much of a secret in Home District where he used to be seen often with his “friend.” When he ran out and found a Bride to be he THOUGHT he actually had a shot at being a VP choice. I’d like to have this cleared up because I ain’t the only that’s heard it I’m sure!
At least there is some GOOD NEWS out there today!
Actually, it's unchanged. Both of the two retirees from the court this year were Jeb's Republican appointments (Bell and Cantero). The court still has 5 odious Lawton Chiles rodent appointees (yup, the same ones responsible for creating the 2000 election nightmare) to 2 Republicans.
Good! If there is a court in this land that could use some conservatives it's the Florida Supreme Court!
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