Stabenow, Peters Accepting Applications from Candidates Interested in Nomination for Federal Judgeship and U.S. Attorney in Eastern and Western Districts of Michigan

U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters today announced they are accepting applications from qualified persons interested in nomination for federal judge or United States Attorney. There is currently one vacancy on the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan and one vacancy on the United States District Court for the Western District. Both U.S. Attorney positions are also vacant. Interested candidates should request an application by emailing judicialnominations@stabenow.senate.gov. Applications are due no later than July 31, 2017.

“As Senators representing the State of Michigan, it is our constitutional responsibility to evaluate a nominee’s qualifications, experience and judicial philosophy to ensure their nomination is in the best interest of the people of Michigan,” said Senator Stabenow. “I am confident that there are many qualified people in our state that are ready to serve as federal judge or U.S Attorney.  I encourage those interested in serving to apply for these important positions.”

“There is a long standing tradition of Senators evaluating and recommending highly qualified home state candidates for federal judgeship and U.S. Attorney roles,” said Senator Peters. “Federal judges and U.S. Attorneys make decisions that directly impact the people of Michigan as they work to administer justice fairly and compassionately, and I encourage qualified applicants who are interested in public service to apply.”

It is the Senate’s tradition for both home state Senators to recommend judicial nominees to the President for consideration. After someone is nominated, it is Senate procedure for the home state senators to agree to consideration of a nominee before the Senate Judiciary Committee conducts hearings and votes. This is commonly called the “blue slip” process. Nominations approved by the Committee are then considered by the full Senate.

President Trump has already nominated Justice Joan Larsen to the 6^th Circuit Court of Appeals. Both Senators received her completed application and background materials last week, which includes hundreds of pages of documents. They are in the process of thoroughly reviewing her record. Senators Stabenow and Peters will continue to listen to public input and consult with Michigan’s legal community to ensure that our state is served by highly qualified, fair and impartial judges that put the people of Michigan first.