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For First Time, Kentucky Supreme Court Has Three Women Justices

Governor Steve Beshear has appointed Court of Appeals Judge Michelle Keller to a vacancy on the Kentucky Supreme Court, putting three women on the bench for the first time in state history.

Keller replaces retiring Justice Will Schroder, who is stepping down for health reasons.

Keller will represent her home region of Northern Kentucky on the state Supreme Court and will have to run for re-election next year.

Jason Nemes, a lawyer who has tried cases before the court, says Keller is a perfect pick.

"You cannot categorize her as being friendly to plaintiffs, friendly to defendants, friendly to criminals or the state or business. She is a fair judge right down the middle and exactly what a justice ought to be," said Nemes.

Keller joins justices Mary Noble and Lisbeth Hughes Abramson as the historic three women justices on the state Supreme Court. The court has seven total justices.