Graves: Will he be a political casualty?
Among the casualties of the lame duck session of Congress were unconfirmed judicial nominees, including Mississippian James Graves Jr., who was nominated to the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
The Senate adjourned last week without confirming 19 judicial nominees. The nominations, which expired at the end of the session, will be sent back to the president under Senate rules.
Obama nominated Graves, 56, a Mississippi Supreme Court justice, in June. The 5th Circuit hears appeals from federal courts in Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas.
The rules provide that Obama can resubmit Graves’ name when a new Congress convenes in January. Mississippi’s U.S. Sens. Thad Cochran and Roger Wicker supported Graves’ nomination.
Clarion Ledger
12/28/10
