Dean Ferguson of the Idaho Democratic Party issued the following press release re: "news that Erika Malmen has been nominated to the federal bench. The IDP regards this as a nomination tainted by her husband's role as Idaho Power lobbyist and GOP operative--noting that Malmen wasn't even short-listed for a state judgeship in a merit process." More here:

We encourage the people of Idaho—regardless of your political affiliation—to study the nomination of Erika Malmen to the federal bench and to decide for yourselves whether this looks like an appointment that is in the interest of Idahoans. A time-honored approach to ethical decision-making is to avoid decisions that have “even the appearance of impropriety.” For Idaho’s U.S. Senators to nominate the wife of one of Idaho’s top GOP political operatives, it is offensive and corrupt at its core. Malmen’s husband, Jeff, is the top lobbyist for Idaho’s top corporate campaign contributor, Idaho Power. Idaho Power makes hefty campaign contributions to both U.S. Senators. Idahoans have a right to expect a competent and fair judge—whose appointment is not linked directly to a few well-connected, wealthy special interests—to serve this lifetime appointment. (It’s noteworthy that Erika Malmen failed to make a short list in a “merit process” for a state judgeship earlier this year.) We encourage Idahoans to share your views with the White House about this nomination: https://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/submit-questions-and-comments