Another judge nominee needed

Kim Smith

Tuesday, Nov. 30, 1999 | 10:25 a.m.

Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., is again searching for a candidate to nominate to the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals after Reno attorney Steven Walther decided not to accept the nomination.

"No names have been named yet, but we are certainly considering several other people," David Cherry, Reid's spokesman, said.

Walther opted not to pursue the judgeship because of family obligations, Cherry said.

"I am honored to be recommended for this prestigious post, but having a new baby only weeks old, two children about to enter college, a busy legal practice and civic obligations to meet, I have decided to realize my public service goals through other avenues," Walther said in a news release.

Walther was unavailable for further comment Tuesday.

Cherry said the senator is disappointed by Walther's decision but understands his commitment to his family. Walther's youngest child, Wyatt, was born on Oct. 5.

Reid had nominated Walther to replace Judge Melvin Brunetti, who decided several weeks ago to go to senior status, or semi-retire, Cherry said. Because Brunetti is from Nevada, the nomination fell to Reid as senior senator.

Nominations are forwarded to the president and must be confirmed by the U.S. Senate. Judges serve life terms.

The 9th Circuit, with 28 judgeships, is the largest of the nation's 13 judicial districts.

Walther is a founding partner of Walther, Key, Maupin, Oats, Cox and LeGoy. He graduated from the University of Notre Dame and Boalt Hall School of Law at the University of California, Berkeley.

"We need outstanding individuals like Steve Walther involved in government," Reid said in a news release.