Facebook Twitter Email
THURSDAY, JANUARY 24, 2002

Washington's two Democratic senators are miffed they weren't consulted over the nomination of the state's U.S. Attorney.

Sens. Maria Cantwell and Patty Murray are opposing the choice of Ronald Leighton for the post. The leaders say they should have been part of a bipartisan board which recommended candidates to President Bush.

But Rep. Jennifer Dunn, a Republican, discounts their claims. She says both were given a chance to comment on Leighton's expertise and didn't.

Cantwell and Murray say that's not the issue. They are planning on opposing the nomination regardless of Leighton's qualifications.

Cantwell sits on the Judiciary Committee. In confirmation hearings for federal judges, she frequently asks about their stance on tribal sovereignty.

Get the Story:
Murray, Cantwell protest Bush judicial pick (The Seattle Post-Intelligencer 1/24)
State's U.S. senators balk at federal judgeship nomination (The Seattle Times 1/24)