U.S. Senators Blanche Lincoln and Mark Pryor today sent letters to President Barack Obama recommending nine individuals for Arkansas’s three federal district court vacancies.

Historically, the President has relied upon the recommendations of home state senators when filling federal judicial vacancies. 

For the vacancy created by the Honorable James M. Moody assuming senior status, the following Arkansans have been recommended as candidates for U.S. District Judge for the Eastern District of Arkansas: Christopher J. Heller, Denise Reid Hoggard, and Amelia Mosley Russell.

For the vacancy created by the Honorable William R. Wilson assuming senior status, the senators have recommended the following Arkansans as candidates for U.S. District Judge for the Eastern District of Arkansas: Mariam T. Hopkins, D.P. “Price” Marshall, Jr., and Morgan E. “Chip” Welch.

For the vacancy created by the Honorable Harry F. Barnes assuming senior status, the senators have recommended the following Arkansans as candidates for U.S. District Judge for the Western District of Arkansas: Caroline M. Craven, Susan O. Hickey, and James S. Hudson, Jr.

Once nominated by the President, the candidate for a federal judgeship must testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee and be confirmed by the entire Senate.