Delegation Supports Former Idaho Ag â?? Al Lance â?? For Judgeship

WASHINGTON, DC â?? Idaho Senators Larry Craig and Mike Crapo and Congressmen Mike Simpson and C.L. â??Butchâ?? Otter expressed their support today for the nomination of former Idaho Attorney General Al Lance to be a judge on the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. Lance appeared before a hearing of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee on his nomination this afternoon. Craig, a member of the Committee, introduced Lance at the hearing. Crapo also attended the hearing and expressed his support for Lanceâ??s nomination.â??As a veteran himself, former National Commander of the American Legion, and as former Attorney General of the State of Idaho for eight years, Al Lance is extraordinarily prepared to serve the nation as a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims,â?? said Senator Larry Craig. â??I feel there is no better person for the job and am very proud to put my unconditional support behind Al throughout this nominations process.â??â??I am pleased that Al Lance is moving through the nominations process to be a Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims,â?? said Senator Crapo. "Al has been an exemplary public servant to Idaho and the nationâ??s veterans, and he will continue to serve well in this capacity. With his background and expertise with veterans affairs, the nominations process will continue to move smoothly and I look forward to advocating for him on the Senate floor and seeing him take the oath of office.â??â??Al Lance is a true friend of the veterans' community. From his pivotal leadership role as National American Legion Commander to his staunch support of Idahoâ??s veteran cemetery, Al Lance is the ideal judge for the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. He will serve our country and our veterans well,â??said Congressman Mike Simpson. â??Having served the people of Idaho together when he was attorney general and I was lieutenant governor, I saw firsthand the dedication and diligence that Al Lance brings to his work. He loves the law, and he believes fervently in the importance of equal justice in society. Al also is a former national commander of the American Legion, from the post where I also am a member. I can think of no one better qualified by experience, temperament and talent to be a veteransâ?? claims judge. Al is the right man for this job,â?? said Congressman C.L. â??Butchâ?? Otter. [30]