LAS VEGAS - Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid has approached at least two women about filling the vacancy left by Brian Sandoval's resignation as a federal judge.
Clark County District Judge Elissa Cadish and Clark County Chief Deputy District Attorney Gloria Navarro told the Las Vegas Review-Journal that they've been interviewed by Reid for the position.
As the senior Democrat in Nevada's congressional delegation, Reid recommends candidates for federal judgeships while a Democrat is in the White House. Sandoval, a Republican, left the Reno-based judgeship to run for Nevada governor.
Cadish, 45, said Reid interviewed her several weeks ago at his home in Searchlight.
"I'm not sure exactly how my name came to his attention," she said, adding she expects him to make a decision "relatively quickly."
Navarro, 42, declined to comment on her interview with Reid but said: "It's very humbling and an honor to be considered."
Reid has declined to comment.
Las Vegas attorney Kathy England said Reid's consideration of the women is in line with President Barrack Obama's emphasis on diversifying the federal bench. She stressed that she was speaking only for herself and not as president of the State Bar of Nevada.
"I think it's important that our federal bench reflect the diversity of Nevada, and I think it's time. Actually, I think it's overdue," England said.
She said she approached Reid at a fundraiser a few months ago and offered him the names of seven people she thought would be outstanding replacements for Sandoval. Though Navarro and Cadish on her list, England told the Review-Journal that both women would make excellent choices.
"I don't think there's any one hugely right person," she said. "There are many highly qualified potential candidates."
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Information from: Las Vegas Review-Journal