Obama has picked up the pace of judicial nominations so far during the 112th congress, including two recent appeals courts nominees. Since Republicans have regularly been delaying appeals courts nominees for up to a year or more, any other appeals courts nominees that hope to stand a chance of being confirmed before the 2012 election will have to be nominated sometime in the next few months.

Alaska:
o 9th Cir: Heather Kendall-Miller (would be first Native American appeals court judge), Alaska Supreme Court Justice Morgan Christen (she's a Sarah Palin appointee...)
o http://www.law.com/jsp/article.jsp?id=1202...

Arkansas:
o ED Ark: Amelia Mosley "Amy" Russell, Christopher J. Heller, Denise Reid Hoggard
o http://www.arktimes.com/ArkansasBlog/archi...

Arizona:
o D Ariz:
o D Ariz:
o D Ariz:

California:
o 9th Cir ("California seat" vacated by Stephen Trott, although Sens. Michael Crapo and Jim Risch are trying to claim this seat for Idaho): Professor Christopher David Ruiz Cameron
o CD Cal:
o SD Cal:
o http://www.law.com/jsp/article.jsp?id=1202...

District of Columbia:
o DC Cir:
o DDC:

Florida:
o 11th Cir:
o SD Fl:

Georgia:
o 11th Cir: Daisy Hurst Floyd
o http://www.ajc.com/news/georgia-politics-e...

Illinois:
o ND Ill: Susan Cox, Thomas Durkin, Mary Rowland, Maria Valdez
o ND Ill:
o ND Ill: Republican Sen. Mark Kirk gets to recommend a name, per an agreement with Dick Durbin
o http://durbin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/...

Kansas:
o D Kan:

Louisiana:
o ED La: Stephen J. Herman, Susie Morgan, Allan Kanner, Gerald Meunier
o http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/201...

Michigan:
o ED Mich:
o ED Mich:
o http://www.mlive.com/news/flint/index.ssf/...

Missouri:
o WD Mo:

New York:
o SDNY: Magistrate Judge Andrew L. Carter, Jr.
o SDNY: Jesse M. Furman
o SDNY: Ronnie Abrams
o EDNY: Margo Brodie
o EDNY:
o http://schumer.senate.gov/record.cfm?id=33... ; http://schumer.senate.gov/record.cfm?id=33... ; http://www.crainsnewyork.com/article/20110...

North Carolina:
o EDNC: Allen Cobb, Jennifer May-Parker, Quentin Sumner
o http://hagan.senate.gov/?p=press_release&i...

Oklahoma:
o 10th Cir: Janet K. Levit, Miles Tolbert, former Attorney General Michael Turpen, Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Williams, Magistrate Judge Robert Bacharach
o http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/article.asp... ; http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/article.asp...

Pennsylvania:
o ED Pa:
o ED Pa:
o ED Pa:
o MD Pa: Judge Terrence R. Nealon (51 yo)
o MD Pa: Judge Carmen D. Minora (57 yo Republican; friend of Specter's)
o http://citizensvoice.com/news/sources-neal...

Texas:
o ED Tex: Eric M. Albritton (Democratic recommendation), Magistrate Judge Chad Everingham (Democratic recommendation), J. Rodney Gilstrap (Democratic recommendation)
o SD Tex: Judge Nelva Gonzalez Ramos (43 yo; Democratic recommendation, nominated January 26, 2011), Justice Dori Contreras Garza (52 yo; Democratic recommendation), Judge Nanette Hassette (49 yo; Democratic recommendation)
o WD Tex: Karen Pozza (being vetted), Sonia Rodriguez (Democratic recommendation), Catherine Torres-Stahl (Democratic recommendation was dropped from consideration after losing Texas judicial election), Robert Valdez (Republican suggestion)
o WD Tex: Javier Alvarez (bipartisan support)
o http://texaslawyer.typepad.com/texas_lawye... ; http://www.caller.com/news/2010/jun/09/dem... / ; http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/politics/... ; http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/chroni...

Utah:
o D Utah:
o D Utah:

Washington:
o ED Wash: Stanley A. Bastian (52 yo), Thomas O. Rice, Leslie R. "Les" Weatherhead
o http://www.spokesman.com/blogs/sirens/tags... /

West Virginia:
o ND W Va: Judge Gina Marie Groh
o http://www.wvrecord.com/news/233785-groh-s...

There were quite a few judicial confirmations during the last few months of the 111th congress, but Obama still finished his first two years with far fewer confirmations than Bush or Clinton did during their first two years. However, there has been a fair amount of discussion/vetting going on behind the scenes (some of it for years) to fill the current judicial vacancies. Hopefully, we will see some of these people nominated shortly.

Alaska:
o 9th Cir: Heather Kendall-Miller (would be first Native American appeals court judge), Alaska Supreme Court Justice Morgan Christen (she's a Sarah Palin appointee...)
o D Alaska: Peter Maassen, Judge Joel Bolger, Judge Sharon Gleason, U.S. Attorney Karen Loeffler
o http://www.law.com/jsp/article.jsp?id=1202... ; http://alaskadispatch.com/dispatches/news/...

Arkansas:
o ED Ark: Christopher J. Heller, Denise Reid Hoggard, Amelia Mosley Russell
o WD Ark: Susan O. Hickey (being vetted), Caroline M. Craven (dropped out of consideration)
o http://www.arktimes.com/ArkansasBlog/archi...

Arizona:
o D Ariz:
o D Ariz:
o D Ariz:

California:
o 9th Cir ("California seat" vacated by Stephen Trott, although Sens. Michael Crapo and Jim Risch are trying to claim this seat for Idaho): Professor Christopher David Ruiz Cameron
o CD Cal:
o ND Cal:
o SD Cal:
o SD Cal:
o http://www.law.com/jsp/article.jsp?id=1202...

Connecticut
o 2nd Cir: District Judge Christopher Droney
o http://www.dailyructions.com/exit-chatigny... /

Delaware:
o D. Del: Linda L. Ammons (57 yo), Richard G. Andrews (54 yo), Collins J. Seitz Jr. (52 yo)
o http://www.delawareonline.com/article/2011...

District of Columbia:
o DC Cir:

Florida:
o SD Fl: Magistrate Judge John J. O’Sullivan, Judge Jerald Bagley, Judge Robert N. Scola, Jr.
o SD Fl:
o http://www.dailybusinessreview.com/PubArti...

Georgia:
o 11th Cir:
o ND Ga:
o ND Ga:

Illinois:
o ND Ill: Susan Cox, Thomas Durkin, Mary Rowland, Maria Valdez; recs might change with Mark Kirk's election
o ND Ill:
o ND Ill:
o http://durbin.senate.gov/showRelease.cfm?r...

Kansas:
o D Kan:

Louisiana:
o 5th Cir: Alston Johnson (64 yo, former Clinton nominee), district court judges Sarah Vance (60 yo) and Ivan Lemelle (60 yo), Stephen Higginson (49 yo)
o ED La: New Orleans City Attorney Nannette Jolivette-Brown, state Judge Jane Triche-Milazzo, attorney Stephen J. Herman
o ED La:
o ED La:
o http://www.lapolitics.com/showresults.php?... ; http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/201...

Maine:
o D Me: Superior Court Justice Michaela Murphy (54 yo)
o http://www.bangordailynews.com/detail/1410...

Michigan:
o ED Mich:
o ED Mich:

Nebraska:
o D Neb: Nebraska Supreme Court Justice John M. Gerrard
o http://journalstar.com/news/state-and-regi...

New York:
o EDNY: William F. Kuntz II
o SDNY: Paul A. Engelmayer
o SDNY: J. Paul Oetken
o SDNY:
o SDNY:
o SDNY:
o SDNY:
o WDNY: Monroe County District Attorney Michael C. Green (48 yo)
o http://schumer.senate.gov/new_website/reco... ; http://schumer.senate.gov/new_website/reco... ; http://schumer.senate.gov/new_website/reco... ; http://nydailyrecord.com/blog/2010/07/13/s... /

North Carolina:
o EDNC: Allen Cobb, Jennifer May-Parker, Quentin Sumner
o http://hagan.senate.gov/?p=press_release&i...

Ohio:
o ND Ohio: Jeffrey Helmick
o http://www.toledoblade.com/article/2010082...

Oklahoma:
o 10th Cir: Janet K. Levit, Miles Tolbert
o ND Okla: Arvo Mikkanen
o http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/article.asp... ; http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/article.asp...

Pennsylvania:
o ED Pa:
o ED Pa:
o MD Pa: Judge Terrence R. Nealon (51 yo)
o MD Pa: Judge Carmen D. Minora (57 yo Republican; friend of Specter's)
o http://citizensvoice.com/news/sources-neal...

South Carolina:
o 4th Circuit:
o DSC:

Texas:
o ED Tex: Eric M. Albritton (Democratic recommendation), Magistrate Judge Chad Everingham (Democratic recommendation), J. Rodney Gilstrap (Democratic recommendation)
o SD Tex: Justice Dori Contreras Garza (52 yo; Democratic recommendation), Judge Nanette Hassette (49 yo; Democratic recommendation), Judge Nelva Gonzalez Ramos (43 yo; Democratic recommendation)
o SD Tex:
o WD Tex: Javier Alvarez (bipartisan support)
o WD Tex: Catherine Torres-Stahl (Democratic recommendation w/ Republican opposition), Robert Valdez (Republican suggestion)
o http://www.caller.com/news/2010/jun/09/dem... / ; http://texaslawyer.typepad.com/texas_lawye... ; http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/chroni...

Utah:
o D Utah:
o D Utah:

Washington:
o ED Wash: Stanley A. Bastian (52 yo), Thomas O. Rice, Leslie R. "Les" Weatherhead
o http://www.spokesman.com/blogs/sirens/tags... /

West Virginia:
o ND W Va:

Wyoming:
o D Wyo: Wyoming: Scott Skavdahl (43 yo), Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven K. Sharpe (51 yo), Mark W. Gifford (53 yo).
o http://billingsgazette.com/news/state-and-...

Nobody who hasn't already been nominated will be confirmed before the 111th Congress adjourns next January. At this point, it's clear the Obama administration dropped the ball on the pace of its judicial nominations. So, here's hoping all of the recommendations below are acted on as soon as the 112th Congress convenes in five months. That should be enough time to complete background checks on most of the candidates.

Alaska
o http://www.law.com/jsp/article.jsp?id=1202...
o 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ("Alaska seat" vacated by Andrew Kleinfeld): Heather Kendall-Miller (would be first Native American appeals court judge); Alaska Supreme Court Justice Morgan Christen (she's a Sarah Palin appointee...)

Arkansas
o Recommendations by Sens. Blanche Lincoln and Mark Pryor: http://lincoln.senate.gov/newsroom/2009-03... ; http://lincoln.senate.gov/newsroom/USAttor... ; http://pryor.senate.gov/newsroom/details.c...
o Eastern District of Arkansas (James M. Moody's old seat): Christopher J. Heller, Denise Reid Hoggard, Amelia Mosley Russell
o Western District of Arkansas (2 vacancies; 3 recs for 1st vacancy, 1 rec for 2nd vacancy): Caroline M. Craven, Susan O. Hickey, Carlton D. Jones (replaces James S. Hudson, Jr., who was initially recommended but died in May 2009); P.K. Holmes III (nominated April 28, 2010)

California
o http://www.law.com/jsp/article.jsp?id=1202...
o 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ("California seat" vacated by Stephen Trott, although Sens. Michael Crapo and Jim Risch are trying to claim this seat for Idaho): Professor Christopher David Ruiz Cameron

Colorado
o Recommendations in June 2009 by Sens. Michael Bennet and Mark Udall: http://markudall.senate.gov/?p=press_relea...
o District of Colorado (2 vacancies): William Martinez (nominated February 24, 2010), Christina Habas, Morris Ben Hoffman, Richard Brooke Jackson, Lael Montgomery, John F. Walsh (nominated for U.S. Attorney on April 14, 2010, so he's out of the running).

Delaware
o Recommendations in July 2010 by Sen. Tom Carper: http://www.delawareonline.com/article/2010...
o District of Delaware (1 vacancy): Linda L. Ammons (57 yo), Richard G. Andrews (54 yo), Collins J. Seitz Jr. (52 yo; son of former federal judge Collins J. Seitz, and brother of OLC front runner Virginia Seitz).

District of Columbia:
o Obama administration has begun vetting possible appeals court nominees: http://legaltimes.typepad.com/blt/2010/07/...
o D.C. Court of Appeals (2 vacancies): Former New York Solicitor General Caitlin J. Halligan (43 yo)

Florida
o The Florida Federal Judiciary Nominating Commission made recommendations to Sen. Bill Nelson in July 2009: http://www.miamiherald.com/2009/07/21/1150... ; http://www2.tbo.com/content/2009/jul/23/li... /
o Middle District of Florida (1 vacancy): Roy B. Dalton Jr, Judge Brian J. Davis, Magistrate Judge Elizabeth Jenkins
o Southern District of Florida (1 current vacancy, 1 future vacancy): Kathleen M. Williams (nominated July 21, 2010), Judge Jerald Bagley, Judge Robert N. Scola, Jr.

Georgia
o Recommendations by Democratic members of Georgia's congressional delegation (Georgia's two senators and governor are R's): http://www.dailyreportonline.com/Editorial...
o Northern District of Georgia (3 vacancies w/o a nominee): Amy M. Totenberg (nominated March 17, 2010), J. Antonio DelCampo, Leigh M. May, Albert M. Pearson III, Wayne M. Purdom, Constance C. Russell, Wendy L. Shoob, V. Natasha Perdew Silas, Gail S. Tusan, Gerald R. Weber Jr., David J. Worley

Illinois
o Recommendations by Sen. Dick Durbin: http://www.chicagoiplitigation.com/2009/08... / ; http://durbin.senate.gov/showRelease.cfm?r...
o Vetting of Mary Rowland: http://wednesdayjournalonline.com/main.asp...
o Northern District of Illinois (3 vacancies w/o a nominee, recommendations in August 2009): Gary Feinerman (nominated February 24, 2010 and confirmed June 28, 2010), Sharon Coleman (nominated February 24, 2010 and confirmed July 12, 2010), Edmond Chang (nominated April 21, 2010), Mary Rowland (49 yo and seemingly a front-runner; would be Obama's second openly gay federal judicial nominee), Susan Cox, Thomas Durkin, Maria Valdez
o Central District of Illinois (1 vacancy w/o a nominee, recommendations in February 2010): Judge James Shadid (nominated May 27, 2010), Judge Sue E. Myerscough (nominated July 14, 2010; previously nominated by Clinton for the same district, but Republicans blocked her), Judge Ronald Spears, Colin Bruce (Assistant U.S. Attorney)

Louisiana
o Recommendation in April 2009 by Sen. Mary Landrieu: http://landrieu.senate.gov/releases/09/200...
o Eastern District of Louisiana: Michael Bagneris

Maine
o Recommendations in April 2010 by Reps. Michael Michaud and Chellie Pingree: http://www.bangordailynews.com/detail/1410...
o District of Maine (1 vacancy): Superior Court Justice Michaela Murphy (54 yo)

Michigan
o Recommendations in June 2009 by Sens. Carl Levin and Debbie Stabenow: http://levin.senate.gov/newsroom/release.c...
o Eastern District of Michigan (2 vacancies): Judge Mark Goldsmith (nominated February 4, 2010 and confirmed June 21, 2010), Judge David Allen

Missouri
o Recommendations in February 2010 by Sen. Clair McCaskill: http://www.dolanmedia.com/view.cfm?recID=5...
o Eastern District of Missouri (1 vacancy): Judge Nannette Baker (52 yo), Judge Judge Thomas C. Mummert III (59 yo), Judge Angela Turner Quigless (50 yo)

New York
o Recommendation by Sen. Chuck Schumer in February/June/July 2010: http://schumer.senate.gov/record.cfm?id=32... ; http://schumer.senate.gov/new_website/reco... ; http://www.democratandchronicle.com/articl...
o Northern District of New York (1 vacancy): Mae D’Agostino (55 yo)
o Southern District of New York (2 vacancies): Daniel Alter (Alter would be the second openly gay male nominee for a federal judicial post, after Obama nominee Edward DuMont), Vincent L. Briccetti (55 yo), Paul A. Engelmayer (49 yo, former Thurgood Marshall clerk)
o Western District of New York (1 vacancy): Monroe County District Attorney Michael C. Green (48 yo)

North Carolina
o Recommendations by Sen. Kay Hagan: http://hagan.senate.gov/?p=press_release&i...
o Eastern District of North Carolina (1 vacancy, recommendations in July 2009): Allen Cobb, Jennifer May-Parker, Quentin Sumner

Oklahoma
o It was assumed that Gov. Brad Henry and Rep. Dan Boren would take the lead in making recommendations: http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/article.asp...
o However, it looks as is the White House has started vetting candidates without consulting any Oklahoma politicians; not the Republican senators (which is not surprising) nor Boren/Henry (a little surprising): http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/article.asp...
o 10th Circuit Court of Appeals (an "Oklahoma seat" will open up when Robert Henry retires in June 2010): The White House is considering young (early 40s, maybe, based on graduation dates) Oklahoma Cherokee Keith M. Harper (http://www.kilpatrickstockton.com/en/Who%2... ), but it looks like this nomination would be heavily opposed Republicans and likely Democrats as well. Other leading contenders are reported to be Tulsa Law dean Janet Levit (http://www.utulsa.edu/Academics/Colleges/C... ) and former Oklahoma Secretary of the Environment Miles Tolbert (http://attorneys.crowedunlevy.com/Attorney... ). The Boren/Henry path might lead to Brad Henry (46 yo) pursuing his cousin's old seat; he would be the leading contender. Other contenders are former Oklahoma Attorney General Michael Turpen, Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott E. Williams, and U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert Bacharach.

Ohio
o Finalists determined by a judicial commission were forwarded to Sens. Sherrod Brown and George Voinovich in July 2010: http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/a...
o Northern District of Ohio: Steven P. Collier, Jeffrey Helmick, Judge Thomas J. Tucker

Pennsylvania
o Recommendations by Sens. Bob Casey and Arlen Specter in July 2010: http://citizensvoice.com/news/sources-neal...
o Middle District of Pennsylvania (3 vacancies): Judge Terrence R. Nealon (51 yo), Robert D. Mariani (60 yo), Judge Carmen D. Minora (57 yo, and a Republican friend of Specter's; if Sestak wins in November, Obama has no business nominating this guy)

Texas
o The two Republican senators are trying assert their "right" to make recommendations rather than letting the Democratic congressional delegation perform the duty (as is customary if there is no senator/governor of the same party). There is, however, some consensus: http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/chroni... ; http://www.caller.com/news/2010/jun/09/dem... /
o Eastern District of Texas (1 vacancy): Eric M. Albritton (Democratic recommendation), Magistrate Judge Chad Everingham (Democratic recommendation), J. Rodney Gilstrap (Democratic recommendation)
o Southern District of Texas (4 vacancies): Marina Garcia Marmolejo (bipartisan support, nominated July 28, 2010), Diana Saldaña (bipartisan support, nominated July 14, 2010), Justice Dori Contreras Garza (52 yo; Democratic recommendation), Judge Nanette Hassette (49 yo; Democratic recommendation), Judge Nelva Gonzalez Ramos (43 yo; Democratic recommendation),
o Western District of Texas (2 vacancies): Javier Alvarez (bipartisan support), Catherine Torres-Stahl (Democratic recommendation w/ Republican opposition), Robert Valdez (Republican suggestion)

Virginia
o Recommendation in June 2010 by Sens. Mark Warner and Jim Webb: http://warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?...
o Eastern District of Virginia: Arenda L. Wright Allen
o Western District of Virginia: Michael Urbanski (53 yo)

West Virginia
o Recommendation in October 2009 by Sens. Robert Byrd and Jay Rockefeller: http://www.register-herald.com/local/x5463...
o Northern District of West Virginia: Former WV Democratic Party Chairman Nick Casey. Republicans were criticizing Casey even before Byrd's death, so I don't expect this one to move forward till after November's special election.

Federal Circuit
o Obama has nominated Kathleen O'Malley and Edward DuMont to the Federal Circuit, but another vacancy occurred Judge Haldane Robert Mayer assumed senior status on June 30, 2010.
o The short list for the nomination that ultimately went to O'Malley also included judges Jeremy Fogel, Gregory Sleet, and Patti Saris: http://www.law.com/jsp/article.jsp?id=1202...
o Other possibilities include Stanford Professor Mark Lemley and Apple IP chief Chip Lutton

July's not over yet, but there's been a fair amount of movement on the judicial nominations front in the last few weeks. As I previously mentioned (http://www.democraticunderground.com/discu... ), I held out some hope that Victoria Nourse would be nominated to the 7th Circuit this month, and she was. We also saw nominations for both Oregon district court vacancies (Marco Hernandez and Michael Simon, both recommended in July 2009), a sign that the Texas power struggle for judicial recommendations is easing somewhat (Diana Saldana nominated to Laredo seat in Texas, and being lauded by Repub Sen. John Cornyn), and the nominations of Steve C. Jones, Beryl A. Howell, Charles B. Day (recommended in December 2009), and Kathleen M. Williams (recommended in July 2009).

With the August recess looming and the November elections right around the corner, I think it's extremely unlikely that we see any more circuit court nominations the remainder of this congress. But if any appeals court nominations were to be made, it would likely be to fill the third Federal Circuit vacancy (the White House has already vetted many nominees, and this circuit is generally seem as the least political/controversial), or Caitlin Halligan for the D.C. Circuit (there's no chance she'd be confirmed this congress, but D.C. Circuit nominations can languish for quite a long time; the White House might want to start the clock ticking asap).

As for district court nominations, I expect we'll see at least a few more, but I continue to hold out some hope that we'll see a big wave of nominations in the next few weeks.

Arkansas
o Recommendations by Sens. Blanche Lincoln and Mark Pryor: http://lincoln.senate.gov/newsroom/2009-03... ; http://lincoln.senate.gov/newsroom/USAttor... ; http://pryor.senate.gov/newsroom/details.c...
o Eastern District of Arkansas (James M. Moody's old seat): Christopher J. Heller, Denise Reid Hoggard, Amelia Mosley Russell
o Western District of Arkansas (2 vacancies; 3 recs for 1st vacancy, 1 rec for 2nd vacancy): Caroline M. Craven, Susan O. Hickey, Carlton D. Jones (replaces James S. Hudson, Jr., who was initially recommended but died in May 2009); P.K. Holmes III (nominated April 28, 2010)

Colorado
o Recommendations in June 2009 by Sens. Michael Bennet and Mark Udall: http://markudall.senate.gov/?p=press_relea...
o District of Colorado (2 vacancies): William Martinez (nominated February 24, 2010), Christina Habas, Morris Ben Hoffman, Richard Brooke Jackson, Lael Montgomery, John F. Walsh (nominated for U.S. Attorney on April 14, 2010, so he's out of the running).

District of Columbia:
o Obama administration has begun vetting possible appeals court nominees: http://legaltimes.typepad.com/blt/2010/07/...
o D.C. Court of Appeals (2 vacancies): Former New York Solicitor General Caitlin J. Halligan (43 yo)

Florida
o The Florida Federal Judiciary Nominating Commission made recommendations to Sen. Bill Nelson in July 2009: http://www.miamiherald.com/2009/07/21/1150... ; http://www2.tbo.com/content/2009/jul/23/li... /
o Middle District of Florida (1 vacancy): Roy B. Dalton Jr, Judge Brian J. Davis, Magistrate Judge Elizabeth Jenkins
o Southern District of Florida (1 current vacancy, 1 future vacancy): Kathleen M. Williams (nominated July 21, 2010), Judge Jerald Bagley, Judge Robert N. Scola, Jr.

Georgia
o Recommendations by Democratic members of Georgia's congressional delegation (Georgia's two senators and governor are R's): http://www.dailyreportonline.com/Editorial...
o Northern District of Georgia (4 vacancies): Amy M. Totenberg (nominated March 17, 2010), J. Antonio DelCampo, Leigh M. May, Albert M. Pearson III, Wayne M. Purdom, Constance C. Russell, Wendy L. Shoob, V. Natasha Perdew Silas, Gail S. Tusan, Gerald R. Weber Jr., David J. Worley

Illinois
o Recommendations by Sen. Dick Durbin: http://www.chicagoiplitigation.com/2009/08... / ; http://durbin.senate.gov/showRelease.cfm?r...
o Northern District of Illinois (4 vacancies, recommendations in August 2009): Gary Feinerman (nominated February 24, 2010 and confirmed June 28, 2010), Sharon Coleman (both nominated February 24, 2010), Edmond Chang (nominated April 21, 2010), Susan Cox, Thomas Durkin, Mary Rowland, Maria Valdez
o Central District of Illinois (2 current vacancies and 1 future vacancy, recommendations in February 2010): Judge James Shadid (nominated May 27, 2010), Judge Sue E. Myerscough (nominated July 14, 2010; previously nominated by Clinton for the same district, but Republicans blocked her), Judge Ronald Spears, Colin Bruce (Assistant U.S. Attorney)

Louisiana
o Recommendation in April 2009 by Sen. Mary Landrieu: http://landrieu.senate.gov/releases/09/200...
o Eastern District of Louisiana: Michael Bagneris

Maine
o Recommendations in April 2010 by Reps. Michael Michaud and Chellie Pingree: http://www.bangordailynews.com/detail/1410...
o District of Maine (1 vacancy): Superior Court Justice Michaela Murphy (54 yo)

Michigan
o Recommendations in June 2009 by Sens. Carl Levin and Debbie Stabenow: http://levin.senate.gov/newsroom/release.c...
o Eastern District of Michigan (2 vacancies): Judge Mark Goldsmith (nominated February 4, 2010 and confirmed June 21, 2010), Judge David Allen

Missouri
o Recommendations in February 2010 by Sen. Clair McCaskill: http://www.dolanmedia.com/view.cfm?recID=5...
o Eastern District of Missouri (1 vacancy): Judge Nannette Baker (52 yo), Judge Judge Thomas C. Mummert III (59 yo), Judge Angela Turner Quigless (50 yo)

New York
o Recommendation by Sen. Chuck Schumer in February/June/July 2010: http://schumer.senate.gov/record.cfm?id=32... ; http://schumer.senate.gov/new_website/reco... ; http://www.democratandchronicle.com/articl...
o Northern District of New York (1 vacancy): Mae D’Agostino (55 yo)
o Southern District of New York (2 vacancies): Daniel Alter (Alter would be the second openly gay male nominee for a federal judicial post, after Obama nominee Edward DuMont), Vincent L. Briccetti (55 yo), Paul A. Engelmayer (49 yo, former Thurgood Marshall clerk)
o Western District of New York (1 vacancy): Monroe County District Attorney Michael C. Green (48 yo)

North Carolina
o Recommendations by Sen. Kay Hagan: http://hagan.senate.gov/?p=press_release&i...
o Eastern District of North Carolina (1 vacancy, recommendations in July 2009): Allen Cobb, Jennifer May-Parker, Quentin Sumner

Oklahoma
o It was assumed that Gov. Brad Henry and Rep. Dan Boren would take the lead in making recommendations: http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/article.asp...
o However, it looks as is the White House has started vetting candidates without consulting any Oklahoma politicians; not the Republican senators (which is not surprising) nor Boren/Henry (a little surprising): http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/article.asp...
o 10th Circuit Court of Appeals (an "Oklahoma seat" will open up when Robert Henry retires in June 2010): The White House is considering young (early 40s, maybe, based on graduation dates) Oklahoma Cherokee Keith M. Harper (http://www.kilpatrickstockton.com/en/Who%2... ), but it looks like this nomination would be heavily opposed Republicans and likely Democrats as well. Other leading contenders are reported to be Tulsa Law dean Janet Levit (http://www.utulsa.edu/Academics/Colleges/C... ) and former Oklahoma Secretary of the Environment Miles Tolbert (http://attorneys.crowedunlevy.com/Attorney... ). The Boren/Henry path might lead to Brad Henry (46 yo) pursuing his cousin's old seat; he would be the leading contender. Other contenders are former Oklahoma Attorney General Michael Turpen, Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott E. Williams, and U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert Bacharach.

Pennsylvania
o Recommendations by Sens. Bob Casey and Arlen Specter in July 2010: http://citizensvoice.com/news/sources-neal...
o Middle District of Pennsylvania (3 vacancies): Judge Terrence R. Nealon (51 yo), Robert D. Mariani (60 yo), Judge Carmen D. Minora (57 yo, and a Republican friend of Specter's; if Sestak wins in November, Obama has no business nominating this guy)

Texas
o The two Republican senators are trying assert their "right" to make recommendations rather than letting the a Democratic congressional delegation perform the duty (as is customary if there is no senator/governor of the same party). There is, however, some consensus: http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/chroni...
o Southern District of Texas (3 vacancies): Diana Saldaña (bipartisan support, nominated July 14, 2010), Marina Garcia Marmolejo (bipartisan support)
o Western District of Texas (2 vacancies): Javier Alvarez (bipartisan support), Catherine Torres-Stahl (Democratic recommendation w/ Republican opposition), Robert Valdez (Republican suggestion)

Virginia
o Recommendation in June 2010 by Sens. Mark Warner and Jim Webb: http://warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?...
o Eastern District of Virginia: Arenda L. Wright Allen
o Western District of Virginia: Michael Urbanski (53 yo)

West Virginia
o Recommendation in October 2009 by Sens. Robert Byrd and Jay Rockefeller: http://www.register-herald.com/local/x5463...
o Northern District of West Virginia: Former WV Democratic Party Chairman Nick Casey. Republicans were criticizing Casey even before Byrd's death, so I don't expect this one to move forward till after November's special election.

Federal Circuit
o Obama has nominated Kathleen O'Malley and Edward DuMont to the Federal Circuit, but another vacancy occurred Judge Haldane Robert Mayer assumed senior status on June 30, 2010.
o The short list for the nomination that ultimately went to O'Malley also included judges Jeremy Fogel, Gregory Sleet, and Patti Saris: http://www.law.com/jsp/article.jsp?id=1202...
o Other possibilities include Stanford Professor Mark Lemley and Apple IP chief Chip Lutton

Another month, another disappointing number of judicial nominations from Obama. Since last month (http://www.democraticunderground.org/discu... ), Obama nominated James Graves to the 5th Circuit (finally; he had been rumored for over 9 months). He also made three district court nominations: Sue Myerscough and Jeb Boasberg (recommended in February 2010), and Amy Berman Jackson.

I would be surprised if we see any more circuit court nominations the remainder of this congress. But if we do, it'll probably be somebody to fill the Wisconsin seat on the 7th circuit (Nourse, followed by Strang or Sankovitz; please, no 70 year-old Adelman); the White House has had 6 months to vet the candidates. Or maybe somebody to fill the recent Federal Circuit vacancy, since the White House has had to vet many candidates in order to send up nominees for the first two Federal Circuit vacancies.

There's still time for district court nominees. I'm hoping, but not expecting, that Obama will start putting out district court nominees in batches of 10 or more. It's certainly possible given the number of candidates they've been vetting.

Arkansas
o Recommendations by Sens. Blanche Lincoln and Mark Pryor: http://lincoln.senate.gov/newsroom/2009-03... ; http://lincoln.senate.gov/newsroom/USAttor... ; http://pryor.senate.gov/newsroom/details.c...
o Eastern District of Arkansas (James M. Moody's old seat): Christopher J. Heller, Denise Reid Hoggard, Amelia Mosley Russell
o Western District of Arkansas (2 vacancies; 3 recs for 1st vacancy, 1 rec for 2nd vacancy): Caroline M. Craven, Susan O. Hickey, Carlton D. Jones (replaces James S. Hudson, Jr., who was initially recommended but died in May 2009); P.K. Holmes III (nominated April 28, 2010)

Colorado
o Recommendations in June 2009 by Sens. Michael Bennet and Mark Udall: http://markudall.senate.gov/?p=press_relea...
o District of Colorado (2 vacancies): William Martinez (nominated February 24, 2010), Christina Habas, Morris Ben Hoffman, Richard Brooke Jackson, Lael Montgomery, John F. Walsh

District of Columbia:
o District Court Recommendations in February 2010 by D.C. House Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton: http://www.mainjustice.com/2010/02/08/whit... /
o District Court for D.C. (4 vacancies): Robert L. Wilkins (nominated May 20, 2010), James “Jeb” Boasberg (nominated June 17, 2010), Mary Patrice Brown

Florida
o The Florida Federal Judiciary Nominating Commission made recommendations to Sen. Bill Nelson in July 2009: http://www.miamiherald.com/2009/07/21/1150... ; http://www2.tbo.com/content/2009/jul/23/li... /
o Middle District of Florida (1 vacancy): Roy B. Dalton Jr, Judge Brian J. Davis, Magistrate Judge Elizabeth Jenkins
o Southern District of Florida (1 vacancy): Judge Jerald Bagley, Judge Robert N. Scola, Jr., Kathleen M. Williams (Federal Public Defender)

Georgia
o Recommendations by Democratic members of Georgia's congressional delegation (Georgia's two senators and governor are R's): http://www.dailyreportonline.com/Editorial...
o Northern District of Georgia (4 vacancies): Amy M. Totenberg (nominated March 17, 2010), J. Antonio DelCampo, Leigh M. May, Albert M. Pearson III, Wayne M. Purdom, Constance C. Russell, Wendy L. Shoob, V. Natasha Perdew Silas, Gail S. Tusan, Gerald R. Weber Jr., David J. Worley

Illinois
o Recommendations by Sen. Dick Durbin: http://www.chicagoiplitigation.com/2009/08... / ; http://durbin.senate.gov/showRelease.cfm?r...
o Northern District of Illinois (4 vacancies, recommendations in August 2009): Gary Feinerman (nominated February 24, 2010 and confirmed June 28, 2010), Sharon Coleman (both nominated February 24, 2010), Edmond Chang (nominated April 21, 2010), Susan Cox, Thomas Durkin, Mary Rowland, Maria Valdez
o Central District of Illinois (2 current vacancies and 1 future vacancy, recommendations in February 2010): Judge James Shadid (nominated May 27, 2010), Judge Sue E. Myerscough (previously nominated by Clinton for the same district, but Republicans blocked her), Judge Ronald Spears, Colin Bruce (Assistant U.S. Attorney)

Louisiana
o Recommendation in April 2009 by Sen. Mary Landrieu: http://landrieu.senate.gov/releases/09/200...
o Eastern District of Louisiana: Michael Bagneris

Maine
o Recommendations in April 2010 by Reps. Michael Michaud and Chellie Pingree: http://www.bangordailynews.com/detail/1410...
o District of Maine (1 vacancy): Superior Court Justice Michaela Murphy (54 yo)

Maryland
o Recommendations in December 2009 by Sens. Barbara Mikulski and Ben Cardin: http://articles.baltimoresun.com/2009-12-1...
o District of Maryland (3 vacancies, 1 recommendation per vacancy): Judge James K. Bredar and Judge Ellen Hollander (both nominated April 28, 2010), Judge Charles B. Day (52 yo)

Michigan
o Recommendations in June 2009 by Sens. Carl Levin and Debbie Stabenow: http://levin.senate.gov/newsroom/release.c...
o Eastern District of Michigan (2 vacancies): Judge Mark Goldsmith (nominated February 4, 2010 and confirmed June 21, 2010), Judge David Allen

Missouri
o Recommendations in February 2010 by Sen. Clair McCaskill: http://www.dolanmedia.com/view.cfm?recID=5...
o Eastern District of Missouri (1 vacancy): Judge Nannette Baker (52 yo), Judge Judge Thomas C. Mummert III (59 yo), Judge Angela Turner Quigless (50 yo)

New York
o Recommendation in February 2010 by Sen. Chuck Schumer: http://schumer.senate.gov/record.cfm?id=32...
o Southern District of New York (2 vacancies): Daniel Alter (Alter would be the second openly gay male nominee for a federal judicial post, after Obama nominee Edward DuMont)

North Carolina
o Recommendations by Sen. Kay Hagan: http://hagan.senate.gov/?p=press_release&i...
o Eastern District of North Carolina (1 vacancy, recommendations in July 2009): Allen Cobb, Jennifer May-Parker, Quentin Sumner

Oklahoma
o It was assumed that Gov. Brad Henry and Rep. Dan Boren would take the lead in making recommendations: http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/article.asp...
o However, it looks as is the White House has started vetting candidates without consulting any Oklahoma politicians; not the Republican senators (which is not surprising) nor Boren/Henry (a little surprising): http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/article.asp...
o 10th Circuit Court of Appeals (an "Oklahoma seat" will open up when Robert Henry retires in June 2010): The White House is considering young (early 40s, maybe, based on graduation dates) Oklahoma Cherokee Keith M. Harper (http://www.kilpatrickstockton.com/en/Who%2... ), but it looks like this nomination would be heavily opposed Republicans and likely Democrats as well. Other leading contenders are reported to be Tulsa Law dean Janet Levit (http://www.utulsa.edu/Academics/Colleges/C... ) and former Oklahoma Secretary of the Environment Miles Tolbert (http://attorneys.crowedunlevy.com/Attorney... ). The Boren/Henry path might lead to Brad Henry (46 yo) pursuing his cousin's old seat; he would be the leading contender. Other contenders are former Oklahoma Attorney General Michael Turpen, Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott E. Williams, and U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert Bacharach.

Oregon
o Recommendations in July 2009 by Sen. Ron Wyden: http://blogs.wweek.com/news/2009/07/28/ron... /
o District Court of Oregon (2 vacancies): Thomas Balmer, Marco Hernandez (nominated by G.W. Bush to same position, but no action taken by Senate), Henry Kantor, Karsten Rasmussen, Michael Simon, Steven Wax

Texas
o The recommendation process here has been ugly. The two Republican senators are trying assert their "right" to make recommendations rather than letting the a Democratic congressional delegation perform the duty (as is customary if there is no senator/governor of the same party): http://www.mysanantonio.com/opinion/column...
o In the meantime, let's assume Democratic recommendations take precedence: http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/63710137....
o Southern District of Texas (3 vacancies): Marina Garcia Marmolejo, Diana Saldaña
o Western District of Texas (2 vacancies): Javier Alvarez, Catherine Torres-Stahl

Virginia
o Recommendation in June 2010 by Sens. Mark Warner and Jim Webb: http://warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?...
o Eastern District of Virginia: Arenda L. Wright Allen
o Western District of Virginia: Michael Urbanski (53 yo)

West Virginia
o Recommendation in October 2009 by Sens. Robert Byrd and Jay Rockefeller: http://www.register-herald.com/local/x5463...
o Northern District of West Virginia: Nick Casey. However, this one will probably have to go back to the drawing board. Byrd's replacement will surely want to chime in. Further complicating matters, Casey is considered a leading contender to be appointed to Byrd's old senate seat.

Wisconsin
o Recommendations in January 2010 by Sens. Russ Feingold and Herb Kohl: http://www.wisbar.org/AM/Template.cfm?Sect...
o 7th Circuit Court of Appeals ("Wisconsin seat" vacated by Terence Evans): Judge Lynn S. Adelman (U.S. District Court for Eastern District of Wisconsin; he's 70 yo...), Professor Victoria F. Nourse, Judge Richard J. Sankovitz (Milwaukee County Circuit Court), Dean A. Strang

Federal Circuit
o Obama has nominated Kathleen O'Malley and Edward DuMont to the Federal Circuit, but another vacancy occurred Judge Haldane Robert Mayer assumed senior status on June 30, 2010.
o The short list for the nomination that ultimately went to O'Malley also included judges Jeremy Fogel, Gregory Sleet, and Patti Saris: http://www.law.com/jsp/article.jsp?id=1202...
o Other possibilities include Stanford Professor Mark Lemley and Apple IP chief Chip Lutton