A nine-member panel of Vermont lawyers is going to consider who should become the state’s next federal judge.
Three members of the panel were appointed by U.S Sens. Patrick Leahy and Bernie Sanders. The remaining three were appointed by the Vermont Bar Association.
The task force will recommend candidates for each federal judicial vacancy in Vermont.
The only pending vacancy is that of J. Garvan Murtha, who is planning to retire in June.
Murtha’s replacement will be named by President Barack Obama, but the nomination must be confirmed by the U.S. Senate.
The 68-year-old Murtha was appointed by President Bill Clinton in 1995.