Commentary: Time to confirm Jane Branstetter Stranch for Sixth Circuit

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When President Barack Obama was inaugurated, the United States Courts of Appeals had vacancies in fourteen of their 179 judgeships. Thus, it was critical that the new administration swiftly fill those openings.

The White House has adopted numerous practices to foster selection. However, many of the seats remain vacant and more have opened, as judges have retired or assumed senior status. The total of vacant seats is now 20.

A valuable illustration is the Aug. 7, 2009, Sixth Circuit nomination of Nashville attorney Jane Branstetter Stranch.

Because the unfilled appellate positions can undermine the bench's prompt, economical and fair disposition of appeals, the Senate must quickly confirm Ms. Stranch. Indeed, the Senate must confirm Stranch before its August recess because the Judiciary Committee approved her eight months ago this week, and she has waited longer than any nominee for a floor vote.

President Obama must also swiftly nominate, and the Senate expeditiously approve nominees for the remaining open judgeships.

Read more: http://www.bellinghamherald.com/2010/07/23/1537321/commentary-time-to-confirm-jane.html#ixzz0uXumSGKz