By ALAN SUDERMAN
Associated Press

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) – Leaders of the Republican-controlled General Assembly say they are rejecting Democratic Gov. Terry McAuliffe’s pick for the Virginia Supreme Court in favor of a their own selection.

House Speaker William J. Howell and Senate Majority Leader Thomas K. Norment, Jr. said late Sunday that the legislature plans to appoint Rossie D. Alston Jr. to the high court during an upcoming special session.

Alston is currently a member of the Virginia Court of Appeals. His appointment would mean the dismissal of Jane Marum Roush, who McAuliffe appointed late last month.

Republicans said they have no qualms with Roush’s qualifications. But Republican Del. Greg Habeeb said the General Assembly has the ultimate authority on appointing judges and McAuliffe did a poor job of consulting with GOP leaders before making his selection.