Obama picks first appeals judge

WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama on Tuesday nominated an Indiana judge to serve on a midwestern federal appeals court, his first act in reshaping the federal judiciary and preparing for a possible Supreme Court opening.

The White House chose U.S. District Judge David Hamilton of Indiana for the Chicago-based 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, contending Hamilton was a mainstream jurist who could overcome the bitter Senate confirmation fights of the past several years.

Obama has 15 federal appellate vacancies to fill, including the 7th Circuit court that covers Wisconsin, Indiana and Illinois. Since most cases do not reach the Supreme Court, the 12 geographically based federal appellate circuits often provide the last word on a variety of issues.

Three of the appeals courts can gain a majority of Democratic-appointed judges if Obama’s nominees are confirmed for existing vacancies.

The White House acted before Hamilton’s nomination to make sure that his home-state Republican senator, Dick Lugar, was on board. Lugar’s office said he supports the nomination.