The Judicial Nominating Commission sent a shortlist of names to Gov. Brian Kemp Tuesday for an opening in the Enotah Judicial Circuit.

The governor will choose from the list to fill an opening created by the retirement of Superior Court Circuit Chief Judge Stanley Gunter, effective Sept. 30.

The Judicial Nominating Commission took applications for Gunter's position this month and has submitted recommendations to Kemp for three candidates:

  • Jeremy D. Clough – Enotah Judicial Circuit Juvenile Court judge;
  • T. Buckley Levins –  Tallapoosa Judicial Circuit senior assistant district attorney; and
  • Kerry B. Morris –  Department of Family and Children Services special assistant attorney general and attorney in the Law Office of Todd L. Lord.

The JNC said the governor's office staff will contact candidates to schedule interviews.

Gunter has served the court for the past seven years. Former Gov. Nathan Deal appointed Gunter in 2012. Gunter had been the executive director of the Prosecuting Attorneys Council since 2011 and previously was district attorney for 12 years in the Enotah circuit. He was nominated for an opening on the Georgia Supreme Court last year.