WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX) and John Cornyn (R-TX) today announced that they were accepting applications for three judicial vacancies in Texas. A vacancy for U.S. District Judge is open for nomination in the Eastern District of Texas in Sherman. A second vacancy for U.S. District Judge is open for nomination in the Southern District of Texas in Galveston, and third is open for nomination in the Western District of Texas in El Paso. All who applied in 2008 for the Sherman and El Paso vacancies—and remain interested—are encouraged to reapply.

Sens. Hutchison and Cornyn have established a bipartisan panel of leading attorneys in Texas to help identify the most qualified candidates to fill these vacancies. This panel, known as the Federal Judicial Evaluation Committee, will review applications, interview candidates, and make recommendations to the Senators.

“Texas has a long history of being served by accomplished judges,” said Sen. Hutchison. “Serving on the federal bench is one of our most important judicial positions. I look forward to working with interested candidates and making a recommendation to the President.”

“Texans deserve the finest legal minds and ablest professionals to serve as U.S. District Judges throughout our state’s four federal judicial districts. Public service is a great calling, and, as a former judge, I encourage everyone who is interested in serving in these important positions to apply,” said Sen. Cornyn, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Sens. Hutchison and Cornyn invite qualified attorneys to seek appointment to these critical positions by submitting their resumes and completed questionnaires to both lawmakers’ offices.

Completed application packets must be received at the following email addresses no later than February 25, 2011. Email is strongly recommended because of delays due to the enhanced security procedures involving Congressional mail.

U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison
FJEC@hutchison.senate.gov
Attn: Jenifer Healy

U.S. Senator John Cornyn
FJEC@cornyn.senate.gov
Attn: Matthew Johnson

The comprehensive questionnaire is available at www.hutchison.senate.gov and www.cornyn.senate.gov. Submitted questionnaires will be reviewed by the Federal Judiciary Evaluation Committee, and selected candidates will be interviewed.

Under the U.S. Constitution, the executive and legislative branches of government share responsibility regarding the appointment of federal judges and U.S. attorneys. The President nominates individuals and the Senate provides its advice and consent on the appointments.