By Yael T. Abouhalkah, Kansas City Star Editorial Page columnist

Missouri Gov. Matt Blunt has offered some expected -- and ignorant -- comments on the status of judicial powers in America.

On Thursday, Blunt said: “I am extremely disappointed, but not surprised, that the California Supreme Court has thwarted the will of the people by allowing gay marriage in their state. This is just the latest example of unelected judges legislating from the bench and reinforces the need for a constitutional protection at the highest level.”

Gosh, it sounds so bad: "Unelected" judges actually having power.

However, take a look at exactly how Supreme Court judges get that power in California.

They are appointed by the governor and then stay on the court only if the voters of California elect them to that position.

Here's a summary of the process, from the League of Women Voters in California:

"The governor appoints all Supreme Court and Court of Appeal justices. Appointments to these courts must be approved by majority vote of the Commission on Judicial Appointments whose members are the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, the Attorney General, and the senior presiding judge on the Court of Appeals. The commission holds public hearings to receive comments on the nominee's qualifications before voting on whether to confirm the governor's choice.

"Those being considered for appointment to a judgeship are investigated by the State Bar's Commission on Judicial Nominees Evaluation which makes a confidential report to the governor on how qualified the person is to perform the duties of the office. Primarily governors, through their power of appointment, shape the character and quality of the California judiciary.

"Justices of the Supreme Court and the courts of appeal serve 12-year terms. They are on the ballot only in November every four years when a governor is being elected. Justices who were appointed after the last gubernatorial election and those who are running for reelection after the expiration of the terms are listed without opposition on a nonpartisan ballot. Voters decide whether they continue in office or not by voting Yes or No. If the vote is No, the governor appoints a replacement who will be on the ballot in 4 years at the next gubernatorial election."