The State Judicial Nominating Commission announced Tuesday it has three nominees to fill the vacancy on the Iowa Court of Appeals that will occur when Chief Judge Rosemary Sackett retires on Jan. 17. The nominees are District Judge Thomas Bower, 50, of Cedar Falls; District Judge Susan Kay Christensen, 49, of Harlan; and Jeanie Kunkle Vaudt, 57, of West Des Moines, an assistant attorney general. By law, Gov. Terry has 30 days in which to make the appointment from this slate of nominees. A summary resume, completed questionnaire and writing samples for each candidate are posted on the Judicial Branch website at www.iowacourts.gov/State_Judicial_Nominating_Commission/