Obama Interviews First Court Candidate

Under-the-radar pick Sidney Thomas gets Oval Office meeting
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted Apr 30, 2010 11:52 AM CDT
AP source: Obama talks to judge about high court
This undated handout photo provided by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals shows federal appeals court Judge Sidney Thomas of Montana.   (Anonymous)

President Obama has accelerated his search for his next Supreme Court nominee, meeting in the Oval Office with one of the candidates, federal judge Sidney Thomas of Montana, a person familiar with the conversation says. Obama's meeting with Thomas yesterday was his first known formal interview for the upcoming vacancy on the court. He's holding conversations with other candidates, but it's unclear whether he's had any other face-to-face meetings.

VP Joe Biden interviewed Thomas at the White House in a separate meeting yesterday, the source said. The personal time devoted to Thomas suggests that the 9th circuit appeals court judge, who is known as an independent straight shooter, is higher on Obama's list than previously suspected. Thomas would stand out in a court dominated by Northeastern Ivy Leaguers: He's from Colorado and went to the University of Montana. (More Judge Sidney Thomas stories.)

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