By Tony Marrero, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, January 20, 2011
BROOKSVILLE — Fifteen applicants have their sights set on 5th Circuit Judge Stephen Rushing's seat.
Among the hopefuls are three assistant state attorneys, two assistant public defenders, and an assistant county attorney. Three of the applicants made it to the final round for the last judge vacancy in Hernando County, to replace the retired Judge Jack Springstead.
Rushing, 64, notified the governor's office in November that he will step down on March 31 due to health reasons. The former Pinellas County judge was appointed to the circuit bench by then-Gov. Jeb Bush in November 2005 after the Legislature created two judicial positions for the 5th Circuit, which covers Citrus, Hernando, Marion, Lake and Sumter counties.
Rushing's current term would have ended in 2014. His appointed successor will have to run for election in 2012.
Circuit judges serve six ...