Nevada Attorney General Brian Sandoval is scheduled to appear before the U.S. Senate today for a hearing on his nomination to become a U.S. district judge.
President George Bush nominated Sandoval, 42, on March 1. A Republican, Sandoval has the support of both of Nevada's senators, Democrat Harry Reid and Republican John Ensign.
He will appear before the Senate Judiciary as that panel considers his nomination and those of several other candidates for the federal bench. He said during the time since his nomination he and the others on today's agenda underwent extensive investigations of everything from their personal lives to their legal credentials.
To reduce partisanship in handling district court judges, the Senate normally takes up nominations several at a time.
Sandoval is expected to win approval from the panel and from the full Senate in a matter of a few weeks.
If confirmed, Sandoval will serve the federal court in Reno.
He was elected attorney general in 2002. Before that, he served as chairman of the Nevada Gaming Commission and two terms in the Nevada Legislature.
Gov. Kenny Guinn announced last week he intends to name Las Vegas attorney George Chanos, also a Republican, to replace Sandoval.
Chanos, a Las Vegas business litigator who has never held political office, would have to run for the position at the next general election in 2006. He has said he intends to do so if appointed.
n Contact reporter Geoff Dornan at gdornan@nevadaappeal.com or 687-8750.