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Colorado Is Closer To Getting A New Federal Judge

DENVER (AP) -- Colorado is closer to getting a new federal judge.

Sens. Mark Udall and Michael Bennet announced Friday that the nomination of R. Brooke Jackson was unanimously approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday. The full Senate will vote on his nomination next.

Jackson is the chief judge for the state's 1st Judicial District, which covers Jefferson and Gilpin counties.

If he's confirmed, Jackson would fill the last remaining vacancy on Colorado's U.S. District Court.

Colorado hasn't had a full roster of judges for nearly three years and Chief Judge Wiley Daniel has warned that the judge shortage was slowing down proceedings.

The Senate confirmed the appointment of another judge to the federal court in December -- Denver attorney William Martinez.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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