The state Judicial Nominating Commission on Friday sent the names of six lawyers to Gov. Bill Richardson, who will appoint one of them to the 1st Judicial District Court bench.

The governor has 30 days to make the appointment to replace Judge James Hall, who is retiring effective Dec. 31. If he's not satisfied with the recommended applicants, he can reject them all and ask for further applicants.

The 17 members of the commission, who are appointed by a variety of sources including the governor, leading lawmakers, and the dean of The University of New Mexico Law School, narrowed the list of recommended applicants from 17 after conducting interviews on Thursday in Santa Fe.

The names submitted to Richardson are:

T. Glenn Ellington, 48, of the law firm Ellington and Ellington in Santa Fe. Gov. Gary Johnson named him in 1997 to fill a newly created judgeship in the 1st Judicial District. However, when Ellington stood for election to the office as a Republican in 1998, he was defeated by Daniel Sanchez, a Democrat.

Mary Marlowe-Summer, 52, 1st Judicial District Court staff attorney.

Sarah M. Singleton, 60, of Montgomery and Andrews PA in Santa Fe.

Francis J. Mathew, 57, a Santa Fe personal injury lawyer and accountant.

David K Thomson, 41, a state deputy attorney general.

Aaron J. Wolf, 60, a domestic relations lawyer with the law firm of Cuddy and McCarthy in Santa Fe.

Whoever is appointed to fill Hall's unexpired six-year term must run in the November 2010 general election, or if challenged by a member of the same party, in the June primary contest.

Thereafter, judges faces retention — yes or no — votes every six years unless challenged by an opponent.

The 1st Judicial District includes Santa Fe, Rio Arriba and Los Alamos counties.

Hall, 52, who was appointed to the bench in 1995 by Gov. Gary Johnson, announced earlier this year that he will step down as of Dec. 31.

The new judge's docket is expected to involve family court matters.