Senate OKs Mahan for federal bench

Friday, Jan. 25, 2002 | 10:27 a.m.

WASHINGTON -- The Senate today approved the nomination of Clark County District Judge James Mahan to the federal bench.

Mahan could start his new job as a U.S. District Court judge for Nevada within a week, and his formal swearing-in ceremony could happen in about two months, Mahan said.

Mahan said he was overwhelmed and humbled to finally have the job he was nominated for nearly a year ago.

"There are fewer than 700 (federal) district judges and to be one of that group is a tremendous responsibility -- to be entrusted with the people's business," Mahan said today.

The Senate approved Mahan 81-0.

Sen. John Ensign, R-Nev., last year recommended Mahan to President Bush, who approved the nomination in September. The Senate Judiciary Committee approved Mahan last month, but then Congress adjourned before the full Senate had a chance to vote.

Mahan will fill the final open seat on the seven-member federal court bench that serves Nevada. He will be based in Las Vegas. The lifetime appointment pays $145,100 annually.

"I truly believe that we have the best federal court in the country," Ensign said. "Judge Mahan is going to continue that tradition because he is such an exceptional judge."

Mahan has been a District Court judge for Clark County since March 1999. He was a lawyer in private practice prior to taking the seat.