Fla. Justices: Crist Cannot Reject Judge Nominees

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - The Florida Supreme Court says Gov. Charlie Crist can't reject an all-white list of nominees for appointment to an appellate court.

The justices unanimously ruled Thursday the Florida Constitution leaves Crist no choice but to fill the vacancy from among the six candidates submitted by the 5th District Court of Appeal Judicial Nominating Commission.

Crist refused to make an appointment to the Daytona Beach court after the commission turned down his request to give him a more diverse slate. The 10-member court has no black judges.

The justices withheld an order forcing Crist to appoint one of the six nominees, writing they were confident he will voluntarily comply with their opinion.