Beginning today, the Judicial Nominating Commission will interview applicants for the seat of Alapaha Judicial Circuit Superior Court judge which is to be vacated by Judge Brooks E. Blitch, III June 30.

Applicants for the Superior Court judge position are Brenda Carver, a Pearson attorney; Mickey Johnson, a Berrien County attorney; Assistant U.S. Attorney Donald Johstono, Jr.; Howard McClain, a Cook County attorney; Jody Steedley, a Homerville attorney; and former Assistant District Attorney Clay Tomlinson.

Attorney Howard Slocumb of Homerville was nominated for the Clinch County State Court judgeship, which will be vacated by Judge Berrien Sutton June 30. However, Slocumb later withdrew his name. The JNC has not specified what will be done about the State Court vacancy.

Following today’s interviews, the JNC will select and recommend a short list of qualified candidates to Gov. Sonny Perdue who will then make an appointment from the list.

The JNC was created by an executive order of the governor.

The commission began the process of receiving nominees to fill the vacancies in May.

The search was prompted by the recent resignation announcements of Blitch and Sutton, who both faced ethics charges before the Judicial Qualification Commission stemming from a federal investigation into the Alapaha Judicial Circuit.