(09/21/06) TRENTON ? Governor Jon Corzine (D-NJ) nominated Associate Justice James Zazzali for the post of state Supreme Court chief justice Thursday in Trenton.

Zazzali may end up replacing Chief Justice Deborah Poritz, who will step down next month once she reaches the mandatory retirement age of 70. Zazzali has been on the court since 2000 and is New Jersey?s former attorney general. Despite the impressive credentials, his tenure as the court?s top judge will be a quick one. He?ll reach the mandatory retirement age next year.

Although Zazzali won?t be leading the court long, Corzine says he?s the right man for the job. The governor says Zazzali has the right temperament, intellect and integrity to do an extraordinary job. Corzine also nominated state Appeals Court Judge Helen Hoens to replace Zazzali as associate judge. The Senate must confirm both picks.