Davis awaits Senate confirmation following nod from Bush

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While the Sept. 9 nomination of Waukesha County Circuit Court Judge J. Mac Davis by President Bush moved the state trial judge one step closer to a seat on the federal bench, he still needs to be confirmed by the U.S. Senate.

When and if that will happen is unknown, although University of Wisconsin Political Science Professor Barry S. Burden suggested the Senate may advance Davis sooner rather than later.

“I would normally expect the Democratic Senate to drag its feet on judicial nominations in the hopes that Obama wins the presidential election,” said Burden. “But Davis may well get approval before Bush’s term ends since his nomination is supported by both of Wisconsin’s Democratic senators.”

Davis declined to comment on the nomination and Sens. Russ Feingold and. Herb Kohl did not immediately return calls.

Western District Court Magistrate Judge Stephen Crocker said he would welcome the addition.

“I’m not authorized to speak for the court, but personally, I think he’s an excellent judge and if he clears the process, I would look forward to avidly working with him,” said Crocker.

Shabaz has been on leave since February and Clerk of Court Teresa M. Owens resigned on July 7. The court is in the process of reviewing candidates for the clerk’s position, but Shabaz is not expected back, Crocker said.

Last fall, Shabaz announced his intention to assume senior status once a replacement was appointed.

Crocker said the court has adjusted to the personnel losses and he is realistic about when a new judge could join the court.

“Even if Davis is confirmed, I don’t expect him to be here much before next summer,” said Crocker. “I expect we’ll be maintaining the status quo for awhile.”

Davis, who is the chief judge in the 3rd Judicial District, was one of five candidates that Kohl, Feingold, and U.S. Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner forwarded to the White House. The other finalists were Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Michael Brennan, Madison attorney Stephen Meyer, U.S. Attorney Erik Peterson and Eau Claire County Circuit Court Judge Lisa Stark.

Davis was first elected to the circuit court in 1990. His current term expires next year. Prior to becoming a judge, he practiced for 14 years and served seven years as a state senator.