Corzine Nominates Scotch Plains Resident to Judgeship

Gov. John Corzine announced Thursday  that he has nominated Scotch Plains resident Thomas Manahan for reappointment to a judgeship on the state Superior Court.

The decision is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

Manahan is based in Morristown and oversees Morris and Sussex counties. His nomination is likely to be voted on by the full Senate on Monday during their last session of the current legislative term.

Manahan's nomination comes on the heels of Corzine and Christie coming to an agreement on the lame duck governor's nominations to state posts. Christie had been opposing Corzine's appointments to various policy making boards and judgeships in the waning days of his term. The governor-elect said Corzine should withhold from making nominations due to the voters electing Christie over Corzine.

The Superior Court is New Jersey's main trial court, housing divisions handling civil, criminal and family cases. Judges can also be elevated to the appeals court on appointment of Chief Justice Stuart Rabner. Judges are nominated by the governor and confirmed by the Senate for seven year terms to start. They can be renominated and confirmed to tenured terms which expire on their 70th birthday.

Editor's Note: Westfield Patch editor John Celock contributed to this report.