Snyder To Name New Mich. Supreme Court Justice

Gov. Rick Snyder will name a new justice to the Michigan Supreme Court on Monday, a rare opportunity to put his stamp on the state's highest court just a week after he took office.

Snyder spokeswoman Geralyn Lasher said Sunday the governor will announce his replacement for Justice Maura Corrigan at a morning news conference.

Corrigan steps down Friday to become Human Services director, replacing  Ismael Ahmed. Lasher declined to say who will replace Corrigan.

Appeals Court Judge Jane Markey of Grand Rapids wants Snyder to name her to the court because she'd bring a west Michigan perspective. The 59-year-old sent out an unusual release late Saturday asking for the appointment and noting that the court hasn't had a justice from Grand Rapids since 1946.

Appeals Court Judge Brian Zahra of Northville may be higher on Snyder's list. He turned 51 Sunday and ran unsuccessfully for the high court in 2004.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.