National Congress of American Indians President Jefferson Keel said "politics" is behind opposition to the nomination of Arvo Mikkanen, a member of the
Kiowa Tribe
of Oklahoma, to the federal bench.
Keel said Mikkanen, a longtime federal prosecutor, is qualified to serve as a judge on the
Western District of
Oklahoma.
"He’s definitely got the background and experience that would prepare him for that position," Keel told The Oklahoman.
Sen. Tom Coburn (R-Oklahoma) and
Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Oklahoma) have objected to the nomination, with Coburn going so far as calling Mikkanen "unacceptable for the position."
Keel said the opposition is based purely on politics.
"They’re going to object to anybody that President Obama nominates," Keel said of the two senators.
Get the Story:
American Indian leader praises Obama’s first judicial nominee in Oklahoma
(The Oklahoman 2/9)
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