Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse have nominated Superior Court Justice, Ojetta Rogeriee Thompson and attorney John McConnell to fill two vacancies in the federal court system.
Justice Thompson is nominated to fill the seat on the First Circuit left vacant by Judge Selya. It will be a difficult task for anyone to fill the shoes of the prolific and highly regarded Judge Selya, but if appointed, I believe Judge Thompson will do a fantastic job. Her greatest challenge may be in replicating the literary and humorous opinions that were a trademark of Judge Selya and which brought momentary joy to overworked law students.
Attorney John McConnell has been tapped to fill the District Court vacancy
left by the retirement of Judge Torres.