U.S. Senator Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) recently announced formation of a statewide, non-partisan Judicial Search Committee. The Committee will recommend a nominee for the vacancy in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, which was created when Judge James F. Holderman became a senior judge at the end of last year.
Leading up to their official decision and nomination, the primary responsibilities of the Search Committee will be to review the submitted applications, host interviews, ensure the application process is fairly and satisfactorily conducted, all while holding thoughtful discussion regarding the best candidate for the position.
Senator Kirk’s Judicial Search Committee will identify a possible judicial nominee for President Obama’s consideration. After reviewing the Search Committee’s recommendation, the President will send the name of his nominee to the Senate for consideration, where the nominee will then be referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee. The Committee will conduct a confirmation hearing for the nominee and then hold a vote on the nominee. Should the Committee vote in favor of the nominee, the Committee will report the nominee to the full Senate. Then, the nomination is placed on the Senate’s Executive Calendar where it will await consideration by the full Senate. If a majority of the Senate votes in favor of a nomination, the President is notified of the Senate’s action, and the nomination is confirmed.
Qualified applicants for federal judgeships can find an application here. The application is similar to those used by the Senate Judiciary Committee. The deadline for submission is close of business on Friday, February 14, 2014.