By J. Lyn Carl, GalleryWatch.com
Austin, TX –
State Rep. Terry Keel (R-Austin) today announced he will be a candidate for the Republican nomination for Place 8, Texas Court of Appeals.
Keel announced recently that he would serve out the remainder of his term but would not seek re-election to his House seat, noting he would seek an appellate judgeship but declining at the time to say which Court of Appeals position he would seek.
Place 8, a statewide post, is currently held by Charles Holcomb.
"I believe I can bring to the position a unique background in criminal law, including prior experience as both a prosecutor and criminal defense attorney, experience as a former sheriff, and experience as a legislator, including two sessions as chair of the House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee," said Keel in announcing his candidacy. He said he is not aware of any candidate with the "same breadth of experience on both sides of counsel table, as well as in both the enforcement and the enactment of criminal law, that I would bring to the court."
The Court of Criminal Appeals is the highest court in Texas on criminal matters as the Texas Supreme Court has jurisdiction in civil matters only. The term is for six years.
"Terry will have a tremendous positive impact on the justice system as an appellate judge," said House Speaker Tom Craddick of Keel, promising his support of the House member. "He has been the key leader in the House on criminal justice and public safety matters."