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FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) - Senate President David Williams could be among the nominees that a panel is expected to recommend to Gov. Steve Beshear for an open judgeship in southern Kentucky on Thursday.

The Judicial Nominating Commission is set to meet in Burkesville at 10 a.m. CDT on Thursday.

Williams, a Republican, has said he's interested in the position. The appointment ultimately would be made by the Democratic governor who has said he'd consider Williams for the job.

Beshear has a record of appointing his Republican foes to higher-paying government positions to get them out of the GOP-led Senate. He told reporters earlier this month that he believes Williams, a lawyer, is qualified to be a circuit judge.

Previously, Beshear made one GOP leader a judge and appointed another to the Public Service Commission.

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