07.29.15

WESTERN WASHINGTON: Senators Murray and Cantwell and Congressman Reichert Announce Formation of Judicial Selection Committee

WASHINGTON, D.C. –Today, U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and U.S. Congressman Dave Reichert (R-WA) announced that they have formed a new judicial selection committee to select potential candidates for the seats on the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington.  The seats are considered vacant upon notice of a sitting judge's intention to take senior status, for which Chief Judge Pechman and Judges Lasnik and Robart are eligible.

The committee is comprised of three Democrats and three Republicans from Western Washington, who will be charged with advertising for the open position and screening potential candidates. The committee will then present three candidates to Murray and Cantwell, who will interview them and, if they are acceptable, recommend them to President Obama.  The President will make the final decision regarding selection of nominees and formal nomination.  The senators from Washington state will only support candidates who have been selected by this bipartisan committee.   

The members of the newly formed committee are:

Democrats:

Jenny Durkan

John Wolfe

Ian J. Warner

Republicans:

Mike McKay

Rob McKenna

Mack L. Hogans

The committee will be advertising in local media regarding the open position, as well as the application process.  Anyone interested in applying should contact members of the commission directly.

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