Several weeks ago, State Sen. Ray Lesniak questioned whether Justice Helen Hoens should, or even could, be reappointed to the State Supreme Court. 

Today, citing Sen. Lesniak’s vow to block her nomination, Governor Christie announced that he would not reappoint Justice Hoens.  The seven-member court currently has two vacancies.  Governor Christie’s refusal to reappoint Justice John Wallace in 2010 began a three year conflict over the partisan makeup of the Court. 

The Governor has nominated Camden County Superior Court Assignment Judge Faustino J. Fernandez-Vina, who was appointed by Governor McGreevey, to succeed the republican-appointed Hoens.