Mo. Supreme Court judge defends judicial selection system

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- The Supreme Court's newest member jokes about criticisms in her selection and declares victory in beating back efforts to change how some judges are picked.

Judge Patricia Breckenridge was named to the court last year. But that process drew criticism from Republican politicians and conservative legal groups.

Breckenridge on Friday compared the experience to the Bar exam -- stressful, but eventually something she hopes she can laugh about.

While announcing her appointment, Gov. Matt Blunt criticized a selection process where a panel gives the governor three nominees. The House last month rejected attempts to change that process.

Breckenridge says the current method keeps politics and money out of deciding judgeships.