Zachman V. Whirlpool Financial Corp‪.‬

Defendant Whirlpool Financial Corporation (Whirlpool) appeals the denial of a motion to strike the order appointing Judge Thomas as judge pro tempore under article 4, section 7 (amendment 80) of the Washington State Constitution. At issue is whether a previously elected superior court judge who loses reelection is "retired" and therefore eligible to be appointed judge pro tempore without the consent of the parties in a case pending before him at the time of his electoral defeat. We hold the term "retired" includes superior court judges who have been defeated at reelection for the purpose of Const. art. 4, § 7 (amend. 80), and affirm the trial court's denial of the motion to strike the order appointing Judge Thomas.