In thew News Today – November 16, 2017

Florida Gov. Rick Scott moved to disqualify State Supreme Court Justice Barbara Pariente in a case that will decide who has the power to appoint the next three justices, reports the Florida Record.

During oral arguments of that case, a hot mic caught Justice Pariente and Chief Justice Jorge Labarga discussing Florida’s Judicial Nominating Committee. Chief Justice Labarga said one of the committee’s members “will listen to” him.

Also at issue are 2013 contributions Justice Pariente made to a group that aims “to keep politics out of the judicial system.” The group has previously criticized Gov. Scott’s judicial nominations. In a statement, Gov. Scott said the comments and contributions raise concerns over Justice Pariente’s “ability to take an objective and unbiased position.”