For those not in California (or perhaps for some in California) who may not be aware, the long serving Chief Justice of the California Supreme Court, Ronald George, announced his retirement after 19 years on the court (14 of them as Chief Justice). His reason for retirement, at least in part, was to keep probable Governor to be Brown from naming his successor.

Today reports are out that his likely replacement is 3rd District Court of Appeal Justice Tani Gorre Cantil-Sakauye. If the reports are true she would be the first Asian American Chief Justice in California (and I think perhaps the first female to head any state judiciary, though I could be wrong there).

I haven’t had time to research her judicial views but the LA Times calls her ‘moderate’ and given their point of view I would assume if anything they would lean to the left on their analysis.

If she is confirmed the California court would have a female majority, also a rarity. As far as I can tell only Tennessee, Wisconsin, New York and (if you count them as a state) Washington DC have similar courts.

On the issue of Mr. Brown, there is some irony here because under California law any Supreme Court appointment must be approved by a 3 member panel, which includes the state AG (currently Mr. Brown). It also provides a vote to the Chief Justice so George gets a nod on his own successor.

The voters would have their say in November but I cannot see anyone campaigning against a nominee, especially given she is a female and a minority.