Executive Session
EXECUTIVE SESSION -- (Senate - April 28, 2005)
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Mr. BURR. Mr. President, I also rise in support of two fine and highly qualified individuals to be confirmed to the
Federal bench, Robert Conrad to be a U.S. District Court Judge for the Western District of North Carolina and James Dever to be U.S. District Court Judge for the Eastern District of North Carolina.
Bob Conrad was nominated by the President on April 28, 2003. Bob Conrad is now a partner at the law firm of Mayer, Brown, Rowe, and Maw in Charlotte, North Carolina. He has served as a U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. He is a graduate of Clemson University and the University of Virginia Law School.
Bob Conrad possesses the qualities necessary to serve as a U.S. District Court Judge. He is fairminded, evenhanded, and treats all with respect. He has repeatedly demonstrated a commitment to public service and a spirit of impartiality and cooperation. Bob is also a devoted husband to his wife Ann, and he is a loving father to his five children.
Today, we consider his nomination for the Western District Court judgeship for the great State of North Carolina. I believe Bob Conrad's integrity, compassion, and intelligence have earned him strong bipartisan support, and he will again serve ably as a representative of our country. I am pleased that almost 2 years since his nomination, Bob Conrad will be confirmed by the Senate.
President Bush has also nominated James Dever to be U.S. District Court Judge for the Eastern District of North Carolina on May 22, 2002. After almost 3 years, James Dever's nomination is now reaching the floor for a vote. He served as U.S. Magistrate Judge on the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District for North Carolina since 2004. Prior to that, the judge was a member of the Raleigh law firm of Maupin Taylor, and Judge Dever graduated with high honors from Notre Dame, where he attended on a 4-year ROTC scholarship. Judge Dever also graduated with high honors from Duke University Law School, where he was editor and chief of the Duke Law Journal. Judge Dever also served his country in the U.S. Air Force.
The Eastern District post to which Judge Dever has been nominated is the longest district court vacancy in the nation. In fact, it has been vacant since 1997. In 1999, the Administrative Office of the Courts declared the district as a judicial emergency, and it has been categorized that way for the last 6 years.
For some time, the State of North Carolina has felt the absence of U.S. District Court Judges. However, the Eastern District in particular, which comprises almost half of the counties in North Carolina and has over 3 million people, has arguably suffered the most.
James Dever will bring to this post the qualities and character that will continue to make North Carolinians proud of him.
James Dever is highly regarded by his colleagues and he has a record of public service. He is a bright, accomplished individual with a proven record. His supportive family includes his loving wife Amy and their three children.
Today I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of these two esteemed attorneys. North Carolina, and the United States as a whole, will benefit substantially from the confirmation of these well-respected men to the Federal bench.
I yield back all time and call for the question.
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