Malloy-McDonald Bazaar Open for Business.

Law school deans will not be pleased. Governor Dannel P. Malloy is offering a transaction. He’s willing to appoint a Republican to the state Supreme Court in exchange for the state Senate confirming his pal Andrew McDonald as Chief Justice.

Republicans are not biting on the tawdry offer. The Republican prospect whose name was dangled by the Democrats, Andrew Roraback, possesses sensibilities that would be appalled to be included in the dirty deal. If Malloy declines to nominate someone who can be confirmed before the regular session of the legislature ends in May, Roraback will be a contender for the court’s top spot if a Republican is elected governor in November.

Where are those voices that only a few weeks ago were alarmed at the intrusion of politics in judicial nominations?