Senator Blanche Lincoln presented Judge Price Marshall, of the Arkansas Court of Appeals, to the Senate Judiciary Committee today for appointment as District Judge for the Eastern District of Arkansas.

Both Sen. Lincoln and Sen. Mark Pryor testified on Judge Marshall's behalf.  Sen. Lincoln testified that Judge Marshall will make a "terrific district judge for the state of Arkansas."  Sen. Pryor said that "two words come to mind" when thinking of Judge Marshall, integrity and impartiality.  Judge Marshall himself said that impartiality is a judge's first obligation.

It appears that Judge Marshall will have no trouble being confirmed by the United States Senate.  The ranking Republican Senator on the Judiciary Committee said of Judge Marshall and the other three nominees present, "We are glad to have you all here.  This is just a process we have to go through.  I'm not aware of any serious criticisms of any of you."

The Judiciary Committee could vote on Judge Marshall's nomination as early as next week.  Then, Judge Marshall would only lack an approving vote from the United States Senate, which appears to be a foregone conclusion.

Congratulations to Judge Marshall.  He is a fine man and a great lawyer.  He has served the State of Arkansas well on the Court of Appeals and will make a wonderful District Court Judge for many years to come.