Standoff over N.J. Supreme Court ends

Gov. Chris Christie and Senate President Steve Sweeney have reached a compromise to end a yearlong standoff over a New Jersey Supreme Court nominee.

As part of his desire to change the makeup of the court, Christie last year did not nominate Justice John Wallace for another term.

In turn, Sweeney refused to hold confirmation hearings for Christie’s nominee.

Christie has now agreed to withdraw his nomination of Ann Patterson for Wallace’s seat. Instead, he will nominate her to replace Justice Roberto Rivera-Soto whose term ends in September.

“The health of the Supreme Court and the health of our system in terms of moving nominations forward like this is more important than any one of us getting our own particular way on this issue,” Christie said.

Sweeney, who said Patterson will get a fair hearing, said he is committed to moving the nominations the governor will make for Wallace’s open seat and for another justice who will retire in March.