18 applicants for Mo. Supreme Court opening

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - The commission that picks finalists for the Missouri Supreme Court will interview 18 applicants to replace Judge William Ray Price Jr.

The commission said Tuesday the pool includes three women, one racial minority, 11 working in the public sector and seven in private practice. The commission selects three finalists, and Gov. Jay Nixon makes the final appointment.

Applicants include four people who worked for Nixon.

Jeff Harris is a former House member who now works in the governor's office. Appellate Judge Karen Mitchell was Revenue Department director and Nixon appointed her to the Court of Appeals' Western District. Paul Wilson left the governor's office for a circuit judge appointment and now works in private practice.

State Solicitor James Layton worked for Nixon when he was attorney general before becoming governor.