WASHINGTON -- The Senate will vote on whether to confirm John Gerrard as Nebraska's next federal judge as soon as it returns from holiday recess next month.
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., said Saturday that Gerrard's confirmation would be the first order of business when lawmakers return Jan. 23.
President Obama nominated Gerrard, a judge on the Nebraska Supreme Court, to succeed retiring U.S. District Judge Richard Kopf, who has already moved out of his chambers in anticipation of Gerrard's arrival.
Gerrard is expected to be confirmed. He has the support of both of Nebraska's senators, Democrat Ben Nelson and Republican Mike Johanns.
His confirmation is eagerly anticipated by other federal judges in Nebraska who are looking to him to help divide up the civil docket.
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