From the USA Today:
Jefferson, who earns $170,000 annually, said he does not have another job lined up but hopes to continue working on judicial policy in a way that helps Texas residents.
"I want to remain open to possibilities, work that is challenging, that is meaningful, that will give me time to continue to serve the public in some fashion as a private citizen," he said.
Gov. Rick Perry appointed Jefferson to the high court in 2001, when former Justice Alberto Gonzales stepped down to become White House counsel to President George W. Bush. Jefferson won election in November 2002. Perry selected him as chief justice in 2004, and he was elected to the lead the court in Austin in 2006 and 2008. His current term runs through 2014.
Perry's office did not immediately comment Tuesday about a possible replacement. Jefferson, who is married with three sons in college, high school and middle school, said he told Perry of his plans to step down last week.
During his tenure, Jefferson has pushed for making courts more public with documents available online.
Jefferson, who formerly was in private practice in San Antonio, said he hopes that the state's courts get more direct public funding for legal aid and continuing juvenile justice reforms. He also said he hopes judges and justices stay engaged in issues affecting the state.
His resignation gives the governor another opportunity to influence the judiciary since he gets to appoint his replacement. 13 years in office has given the governor plenty of opportunity to put his stamp on the judiciary, though his ability to in fact do so has been subject to debate. Some background:
- Supreme Court is elected but bears Perry's stamp.
- Judges appointed by Rick Perry.
- In Judicial Picks, Perry reaches Past Executive Branch.
- Perry's Texas Supreme Court picks criticized as too business friendly.
- Rick Perry and the Imperial Governorship.
