Federal: Sen. Durbin (IL) Formed Bipartisan Screening Committee for Judicial Vacancies

Senator Durbin of Illinois formed a thirteen-member, bipartisan screening committee to recommend potential candidates to President Obama for three judicial vacancies in the Northern District. Before making final recommendations, Durbin plans to consult with his Republican counterpart, Senator Kirk, who uses a similar committee process. Oregon’s two Democratic Senators also use a screening committee to identify potential judicial nominees. In September 2011, Senators Wyden and Merkley submitted five candidates to the White House from 12 committee recommendations, but no nomination has been made.