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At the time, it seemed to be an unwanted political hot potato the lawmakers were passing to the governor. It is now clear that Gov. Robb regarded it as an unparalleled opportunity. With a single stroke he has further vindicated the faith black voters had placed in him when they gave him their overwhelming support when he ran for governor, he has brought needed ethnic and age diversity to the Supreme Court, and has installed on the high bench a man who, in spite of his youth, appears to have the impeccable personal and professional credentials which should enable him to render outstanding service.
Mr. Thomas is a 1975 graduate of the University of Virginia Law School. He is a lawyer who is highly respected for both his energy and his legal scholarship, and a partner in the renowned Hunton and , Williams law firm in Richmond. As someone observed, “They don’t have second rate people at Hunton and Williams.”
Beyond all this, to be sure, there is a political component in the Thomas appointment. Not only will it help solidify black support for the Democratic party in Virginia, but it will not go unnoticed by party leaders and black voters nationally. All this coqld be enormously helpful to the governor if, as anticipated, his political career progresses "bqyoruj the boundaries of the Commonwealth later on. ' . ♦
It should also be added that the political component in this appointment is no greater than it has been in judicial selections in the past. Virginia judges, usually white males with the proper judicial and political leanings, have always been chosen by the legislature or in rare cases appointed by the governor with one eye on the impact the selection might have on the ballot box.
There was also a racial component in the selection. It is highly unlikely that a white attorney eight years out of law school, no matter how well qualified, would have been chosen for the job. But again, that component \vas no greater a consideration than it has been in the past when the nod has generally gone to white males of advancing years with the “proper” political connections and philosophical views.
It all comes down to the societal and judicial courses the governor wishes to set for the state. On these points Robb has now spoken out w ith commendable clarity and decision. He has opted for a long overdue departure from the past pattern of membership on the high bench, and for infusing into the court a greater breadth and depth of social perspective.
How all this w orks out is now largely up to Justice-designate Thomas and his brethren on the Court.
But few wrill question the tairness and courage 01 the governor in taking this historic first step.
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