Richard Honaker selected for US District Judge
President selects Rock Springs, Wyoming attorney to serve on U.S. District Court
by Senator Craig Thomas news release
March 20, 2007
(Washington D.C.) - U.S. Senator Craig Thomas today announced the selection of Richard Honaker of Rock Springs to be the next U.S. District Judge for the District of Wyoming. Honaker would fill the seat vacated by the recent retirement of U.S. District Judge Clarence Brimmer.
“Dick Honaker has a broad range of experience over the last 30 years in both state and federal courts in Wyoming. While his credentials are certainly outstanding, I am particularly impressed with his character and his values which are deeply rooted in Wyoming,” Thomas said. “He has the right judicial philosophy – he knows the importance of interpreting the law while not legislating from the bench.”
U.S. Senator Mike Enzi said, “Dick was born and raised in Wyoming, was the first person in his family to get a college degree, has 30 years of law experience, is a former legislator and a small businessman. All of these qualities plus an admiration for the people of Wyoming and the rule of law make Dick an exceptional candidate to be a federal judge. Dick has what it takes to provide an impartial hand in applying the laws of the land. I look forward to seeing his nomination swiftly acted upon by the Senate.”
Honaker was raised in Laramie. His father’s family came to Laramie in 1919 and operated a grocery store and meat market. His mother’s family came to Big Horn County in 1915 and farmed sugar beets. He graduated with BA honors from Harvard in 1973 and graduated from UW law school in 1976. He worked his way through law school as night editor for the local newspaper. He was a past President of the Wyoming State Bar Association.
Part of the Senate’s role under the Constitution is to provide advice and consent on Presidential nominations for federal judgeships. Traditionally, the senior senator in a delegation provides the President with a name for consideration.
Judge Brimmer notified Senator Thomas on Sept. 25, 2006 that he would retire from regular service.
Thomas submitted Honaker’s name to President Bush on January 10, 2007. After an extensive review by the White House, the President selected Honaker as his nominee.
The United States Senate will now go through the process of confirming the nominee for the appointment. The nominee is first referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee. Upon committee approval, Honaker will receive a confirmation vote before the full Senate.
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