TRENTON, NJ (CBS) – A year-long tug-of-war between New Jersey governor Chris Christie and Senate Democrats over a state Supreme Court nomination is all but settled, as the Senate Judiciary Committee has approved the bid of corporate attorney Anne Patterson to become an associate justice.

The full Senate will soon vote on the nomination.

Patterson was to have replaced Gloucester County native John Wallace, who was not reappointed to the high court by Christie, prompting Senate president Steve Sweeney to postpone Patterson’s confirmation — that is, until it was agreed she’d be nominated instead to replace retiring Justice Roberto Rivera-Soto.

She seems to agree with Christie’s bottom line for the court: adjudicate, don’t legislate, from the bench.

“The court must never forget that the legislative and executive branches, elected by and accountable to the people of New Jersey, are uniquely charged with the power and responsibility to set policy for our state,” said Patterson.

Her 11-1 approval in committee sets up a full confirmation vote, expected later this month.  If approved, she’d be seated on the high court in September.

Reported by David Madden, KYW Newsradio 1060