Birmingham – A three-judge panel today ruled against Governor Bob Riley's appointment of George Bowman as Jefferson County commissioner.
In an opinion issued Tuesday, the judges wrote the Republican governor's appointment violated the 1965 Voting Rights Act. They said Riley has 90 days to get pre-clearance in accordance with the law. If he fails to do so, they wrote, they would force Bowman to vacate the seat.
Riley's office issued a statement this afternoon saying the governor is considering options with his legal staff but has not made a decision on an appeal.
Riley appointed Bowman to replace Larry Langford, who left the seat when he became mayor of Birmingham last year. Riley's appointment was criticized with some saying he didn't have the authority to make the appointment.
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