Gov. Wolf's Plan To Fill 2 Pa. Supreme Court Vacancies Falls Apart

By Tony Romeo

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - The plan to fill two vacancies on the Pennsylvania Supreme Court has run aground now that one of Governor Wolf's nominees has withdrawn his name.

In a collaborative process with Senate leaders, Governor Wolf nominated two men to fill vacancies on the Supreme Court. One of those nominees was Republican Thomas Kistler, the president judge of Centre County. But Kistler's nomination came under scrutiny after reports that he had forwarded a racially insensitive email.

Now Kistler has voluntarily withdrawn his nomination, citing the pressing needs of his county's court system. That affects the nomination to fill a second vacancy on the state high court -- Duquesne Law School Dean Ken Gormley, a Democrat.

There is doubt now about whether the Senate will hold confirmation hearings on Gormley's nomination, as that would give the court six members and create the potential for gridlock.

A spokesman for the governor says he does not plan to make new nominations.

In:
• KYW Newsradio 1060
• Tom Wolf
• Philadelphia