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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Senate Panel Oks Shea For Judgeship

From Staff And Wire Reports

The Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday approved the nomination of Ed Shea to become a federal judge in Eastern Washington, U.S. Sen. Patty Murray said.

The nomination now goes to the full Senate for final approval.

“We have made it through the most difficult part, and I don’t see any reason why Ed Shea won’t be confirmed in the next few weeks,” Murray said in a news release.

Shea, of Pasco, is seeking to replace retiring U.S. District Judge Alan McDonald of Yakima.

Murray recommended Shea in January 1997, and President Clinton nominated him in September.

His nomination had been delayed by a dispute between Murray and Republican Sen. Slade Gorton over who would make recommendations to the White House.

Shea has practiced law in the Tri-Cities for 26 years and is a partner in the firm Shea, Kuffel and Klashke. He is a former president of the Washington State Bar Association.