RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Virginia Supreme Court Justice Elizabeth McClanahan has announced her plans to retire later this year.The Richmond Times-Dispatch reports that McClanahan notified Chief Justice Donald Lemons that she will retire effective Sept. 1.McClanahan’s departure will give Republicans who control the state legislature the opportunity to choose her successor on the seven-member high court. The justices serve 12-year terms.The newspaper reports that state Sen. Ben Chafin, R-Russell, is urging fellow Republicans who control judicial appointments to install his sister on the high court. Judge Teresa Chafin currently services on the Virginia Court of Appeals.The 59-year-old McClanahan was sworn in on the high court in 2011 as the fourth female justice in the court’s 232-year history. She previously served two terms on the Virginia Court of Appeals.
