Janice Rogers Brown's looming departure from the California Supreme Court is handing Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger his biggest judicial appointment since taking office in an unprecedented recall election two years ago.
And even though the idea of a "black seat" runs counter to Brown's rulings against affirmative action and racial quotas, legal scholars say Schwarzenegger is probably seriously considering replacing the court's most conservative member, and only black, with another black judge.
While Brown would likely stay through September to resolve the cases she's already heard, Schwarzenegger doesn't have much time to make his decision known. The Senate on Tuesday ended a two-year filibuster of Brown, clearing the way for a final confirmation vote, likely Wednesday, to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia.
The stakes are high in terms of Schwarzenegger's legacy: His pick will join a court that is the final arbitrator over disputes involving California law, possibly including a looming lawsuit over same-sex marriage.
Details here from the AP via the San Francisco Chronicle.
UPDATE: It's a done deal: Senate Confirms Brown for D.C. Appeals Court