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FEBRUARY 15, 2001

Senator John McCain (R-Ariz) is opposing a potential federal judgeship for defeated Senator Slade Gorton because of Gorton's stance on tribal sovereignty.

All the members of the Senate Republican Policy Committee except McCain have signed a letter urging President George W. Bush to consider Gorton for a spot on the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals or the District of Columbia Court of Appeals. A McCain spokesman told Roll Call that he disagrees with Gorton on a number of sovereignty issues and that tribes in the West would be concerned about the nomination.

The 9th Circuit covers California, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, Montana, Idaho, Nevada, Alaska, and Hawaii. The DC Court of Appeals could be troublesome for Indian Country as well since it has jurisdiction over tribal disputes with the federal government.

Get the Story:
Gorton May Get Key Judgeship (Roll Call 2/15)

Relevant Links:
Senate Republican Policy Committee - www.senate.gov/~rpc