Abbott Vows to Anoint Longtime Aide Who’s ‘a Reliable Conservative’ If Seat Comes Open on Texas Supreme Court

AUSTIN -- Gov. Greg Abbott says he will name his general counsel and longtime aide Jimmy Blacklock to the Texas Supreme Court if Justice Don Willett ascends to a lifetime seat on a federal appellate court.On Monday, Abbott appeared at state GOP headquarters with Blacklock and announced he plans to appoint him to the state's highest civil court as soon as the U.S. Senate confirms Willett, President Donald Trump's choice for a vacancy on the U.S. 5th Circuit of Appeals in New Orleans.Abbott said he'd also endorse and campaign for Blacklock next year if, as expected, he seeks a full, six-year term on the all-Republican state Supreme Court. Willett's current term expires at the end of 2018.  Continue reading...