Schwarzenegger, voters will decide on next chief justice of California

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California Chief Justice Ronald George announced Wednesday that he would not seek another 12-year term. His term expires Jan. 2, the day before a new governor is set to be sworn in.

So who gets to pick George’s replacement?

According to the state Constitution, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger will make the call. Article 6, Section 16 says that if a justice does not seek reelection ‘the governor, before September 16, shall nominate a candidate.’ That candidate will then stand for election ‘at the next general election,’ which will be in November.

Voters will get to confirm or reject Schwarzenegger’s selection. So now they will have one more thing to think about for the fall ballot.

-- Anthony York in Sacramento