There’s a judicial emergency in Idaho, just as there are in 28 other U.S. Circuit and District Court jurisdictions around the country. Ho-hum. Foot-dragging on judicial nominees has worn out many a pair of senatorial loafers, but the failure to at least announce nominees to replace U.S. District Court Judge Edward Lodge shows remarkable indifference to the pace of justice for Idahoans. Lodge announced in September he would take senior status as of July 3. Idaho’s Republican senators, Mike Crapo and Jim Risch, said in December they were taking applications for the job. Since then, the process has gone underground. Only questions about the indifference to women applicants – none had been interviewed – flushed out the two, who said they were considering all candidates/Spokesman-Review Editorial Board. More here.

Question: Why are Crapo and Risch dragging their feet on this important judicial appointment?