IDAHO JUDGE NOW ONE STEP AWAY FROM 9TH U.S. CIRCUIT COURT

Washington, DC - Idaho state judge Randy Smith of Pocatello may soon become a federal judge sitting on the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Smith's nomination to the federal court, supported by Idaho Senators Mike Crapo and Larry Craig, was approved today by the Senate Judiciary Committee. Smith's nomination now goes to the full Senate. The bipartisan support for Smith in committee means his confirmation by the full Senate is likely. "Judge Smith will represent Idaho well on the 9th Circuit Court," Crapo said. "With his background of eight years in the teaching of law and experience on the bench in Idaho's Sixth District Court in Pocatello, he will make an excellent federal appeals court judge." "Randy Smith is thoughtful, fair, and honest," Craig said. "We could send no finer juror to the Ninth Circuit. I am pleased that, once again, Judge Smith has been approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee. I look forward to his swift approval by the full Senate, as Chairman Leahy has promised." Both Crapo and Craig testified on behalf of Judge Smith before the Senate Judiciary Committee last March. Although no date has been set, his confirmation by the full Senate could occur as soon as next week. # # #