Appointing good judges

Anchorage Daily News: In recent years the confirmation of federal judges has been delayed for political reasons. A practical result has been to slow down the federal justice system, because the delays haven’t been limited to Supreme Court nominations. They’ve included district court and appeals court judges.

The appointments of two Alaskans — Sharon Gleason to the U.S. District Court in Alaska and Morgan Christen to the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals — can provide an example of how to temper the politics in this process.

Christen is a justice of the Alaska Supreme Court who established a solid record as an Alaska Superior Court judge before winning then-Gov. Sarah Palin’s appointment to the state’s highest court. Christen was one of two judges recommended by the Alaska Judicial Council in a process that aims to take political considerations out of these choices. She’s been a solid addition to the five-member state Supreme Court and carries a reputation for honesty, intellect and professionalism that should make Alaskans proud.

And she’s made judicial history as the only judge to win appointments from both Palin and President Barack Obama.

Christen’s selection for the Ninth Circuit has the support of both Alaska’s senators, Lisa Murkowski and Mark Begich. It’s up to the Senate to confirm the appointment of federal judges.

Both senators also support the nomination of Gleason to succeed Judge John Sedwick, who is moving to senior status and will carry a lighter caseload. Gleason has distinguished herself over 10 years in the Superior Court in family law and some high-profile civil cases involving the state and its major oil producers. If confirmed, she’ll make her own history as the first woman appointed a U.S. District Court judge in Alaska.