Here is the Clarion-Ledger’s article on Carlton Reeves’ confirmation as a U.S. District Judge for the Southern District of Mississippi. The Senate confirmed Reeves in a voice vote on Sunday.
This has been a long time coming to say the least. The fact that Reeves would get the position after President Obama won two years ago was common knowledge.
The fact that it took two years for the confirmation to happen was due to a combination of inefficiency in the Obama administration combined with Republican foot dragging in the Senate. The former is harder to stomach than the latter, since Republicans consider blocking Obama’s agenda part of their job. Obama’s administration has just been indefensibly slow with making appointments and pushing them through.
Hopefully, the confirmation will mean increased efficiency in the Southern District. Some cases will presumably be reassigned to Reeves from other judges. That should allow for faster rulings. That would please a lot of lawyers and parties who sometimes have to wait a long time for rulings.
It’s my understanding that Judge Louis Guirola, Jr. is now the Chief Judge in the Southern District. I am also hearing that Judge Henry Wingate will not be taking senior status anytime soon.
Reeves will be missed on North Congress Street. He arrived at work early, stayed late and came in a lot on the weekends. I am sure that Judge Reeves will bring that work ethic to the bench. If anyone needs a Pigott Reeves Johnson Law Firm sign, I can probably get you a deal on one.