It is reliably reported that my friend Rives Kistler, currently a judge of the Oregon Court of Appeals, is being promoted to the Oregon Supreme Court. He'll serve at least until an election scheduled for 2004.

This is a great appointment by the governor. Kistler is a man of great intelligence, discretion, compassion, and integrity. He'll be impartial, fearless, restrained, and about as nonpolitical as a judge can be. The nomination will doubtlessly catch some flak because it leaves the court without a female member. But Kistler is a fine candidate for the position, and so, bravo, Ted.