AUSTIN - Gov. Rick Perry on Tuesday named Nathan Hecht, the
longest-serving jurist on the Texas Supreme Court, as chief
justice to replace Wallace Jefferson, who announced last week
that he will resign at the end of the month.  Hecht, who
currently is fighting a $29,000 ethics fine for accepting and
failing to report an illegal political contribution from a law
firm, will start his term on Oct. 1.  "I know Justice Hecht to
be a man of the most upstanding character and integrity, with an
uncompromising commitment to protecting the interests of the
citizens of Texas," Perry said in a statement. "As the most
senior justice on the Court, his dedication to the rule of law
and wealth of knowledge and judicial experience will be
invaluable as he serves in this new role."  The Supreme Court of
Texas is the state's highest court on noncriminal matters.
Elected in 1988, Hecht, 64, will serve as the state's top jurist
until next year's general election. Hecht has been on the Texas
Supreme Court since 1988 and has won r