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Hutchinson To Name New Arkansas Chief Justice

Arkansas Supreme Court

 Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson is naming his pick to replace the chief justice of the state Supreme Court, who's resigning at the end of the month because of health problems.

The Republican governor plans to name his appointment Tuesday for the remainder of outgoing Chief Justice Jim Hannah's term. Hannah, whose term expires at the end of next year, announced earlier this month he was stepping down to focus on his health.

Hannah was first elected to the state Supreme court in 2000 and was elected chief justice in 2004. He was elected to a full eight-year term in 2008. He had been widely expected to not seek re-election next year.

Whoever Hutchinson appoints to the post will be barred from running for the chief justice position next year.

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