Freshman Sen. Ken Salazar (D-Colorado) asked President Bush on Thursday to withdrawn the nomination of former Interior Department solicitor Bill Myers to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.

As Colorado attorney general, Salazar previously supported Myers. A spokesperson said he hasn't decided whether to oppose the nomination now but he asked the White House to withdraw it in the interests of compromise.

Salazar is being lobbied by the National Congress of American Indians and Colorado tribes who oppose Myers. NCAI met with Salazar's staff to discuss the issue and Colorado tribes were set to meet with his staff this week. Colorado has two federally recognized tribes.

Myers went before the Senate Judiciary Committee again yesterday and was criticized by Democrats for his actions affecting tribes and the environment. Republicans hope to overcome the opposition but need the support of a few Democrats.

Get the Story:
Battle of Judicial Nominee Resumes (The Washington Post 3/2)
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Democrats on Senate Panel Pummel Judicial Nominee (The New York Times 3/2)
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Salazar urges rescinding controversial nominees (The Denver Post 3/2)
Bush loses key Dem's support on judges (AP 3/2)

Relevant Documents:
Inspector General Letter | NCAI Resolution | Environmental Group's Letter | Holland & Hart Biography

Indianz.Com Profile:
Industry insider named to Interior (March 30, 2001)

From the Indianz.Com Archive:
Myers reversing sacred site opinion (10/25)
Bush nominee has no 'agenda' on Clinton decisions (6/21)

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