Big Surprises In Rell’s Short List For Chief Justice

Connecticut Law Tribune
December 2006
By THOMAS B. SCHEFFEY

In addition to the current members of the state Supreme Court, only five judges are set to be pre-qualified by the state Judicial Selection Commission to take the reins of the Judicial Branch as chief justice, The Law Tribune has learned.

Two Superior Court judges and three Appellate Court judges have filled out the necessary chief justice application forms, three sources intimately familiar with the vetting process confirmed today. All five have been or are expected to be found qualified for the chief justice post, those sources said.

Bridgeport Superior Court Judge Richard E. Arnold, a Republican from Orange, won the commission’s approval last summer, followed by Judge Dennis G. Eveleigh, a Hamden Democrat. New Canaan’s Chase T. Rogers, a registered independent, who was appointed to the Appellate Court in February, also has received the commission’s stamp of approval, the sources said.

The biggest surprise is former Appellate Court Judge Anne C. Dranginis, who stepped down from the bench earlier this year to become a partner at Hartford’s Rome McGuigan. Sources said Dranginis and Appellate Court Judge C. Ian McLachlan, of Chester, are expected to have their final interview before the Judicial Selection Commission on Dec. 13. The commission typically grants a letter of approval for successful candidates within a day or two.

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