WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. Senators Herb Kohl and Russ Feingold today announced the activation of an 11-member federal nominating commission responsible for making recommendations for the Federal Judgeship vacancy in the Eastern District of Wisconsin. Members of the Commission, which has been in existence in Wisconsin since 1979, serve two-year terms. The Commission helps the Senators fulfill their Constitutional duty to advise the President on federal nominations. The Commission was last used in 2005 to fill the U.S. Attorney position for the Western District of Wisconsin.

"The collective wisdom and expertise of the men and women on this commission is a priceless resource in thoroughly vetting applicants for a lifetime appointment," Kohl said. "The commission's hard work is a true public service resulting in a process that is impartial and above the fray. I look forward to working with this impressive group."

"Once again, I'm pleased to work with the Federal Nominating Commission to recommend nominees for these vital positions in our federal justice system," Feingold said. "This commission, which has been in place for three decades, plays a critical role in ensuring public confidence in the nominating process." The commission charter details the number of members each Senator may appoint based on the political party of the Senators and the President. Kohl nominated Lisa Neubauer and Stephen Glynn, both of Milwaukee, to the commission; Feingold nominated Ronald Sklansky of Madison and Georgia Herrera of Racine. The commission is chaired by the Dean of Marquette University law school, Joseph Kearney. The commission is rounded out by four nominees named by Congressman F. James Sensenbrenner and two members chosen by the State Bar of Wisconsin.

Use of a federal nominating commission to recommend choices for vacancies in the federal judicial system dates back to 1979, when it was instituted by Wisconsin Senators Gaylord Nelson and William Proxmire.

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