BOISE -- Nominations have only just been released in the race for appointment to the Idaho Supreme Court and already one big name has been installed the clear favorite.

Republican Senate Majority Leader Bart Davis of Idaho Falls was one of 19 applicants for the Supreme Court seat being vacated by Chief Justice Gerald Schroeder. Up to four of these go to the Idaho Judicial Council (IJC) for final selection.

Davis is the heaviest hitter in a list that has "a larger-than-usual number of really prominent names," Randy Stapilus wrote in a posting yesterday on blogsite Ridenbaugh Press. Davis is listed as "Idaho state Senator and Lawyer in private practice" on the IJC's applicant list.

Other well-credentialed candidates, Stapilus notes, include Idaho Attorney General Division Chief Clive Strong and Fifth District Judge Barry Wood. Strong has been "the state's main man" on key natural-resource legal issues like water rights while Wood is "the judge with the broadest experience," the blogger wrote.

Nonetheless, Davis should attract most of the early money and not just because of his political clout. Davis is from eastern Idaho, an area of the state currently under-represented on the current Supreme Court, the entry points out.

Davis has been active in civic affairs and also in Idaho State Bar activities, which helps his application, Stapilus adds.

Chief Justice Schroeder is retiring after 12 years on the Supreme Court and almost 40 years on the bench.