Barksdale Takes Senior Status- Will Mississippian Get Replacement Appointment?
A few weeks ago in this post I speculated that 5th Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Rhesa Barksdale would soon take senior status. The Clarion-Ledger confirmed the news in this article today. Judge Barksdale will continue to work, but will hear a reduced case load.
This creates an opening on the 5th Circuit. Currently on the 5th Circuit from Mississippi are Barksdale, Judge Grady Jolly and Judge Leslie Southwick. Since all three are conservative, the vacancy gives President Obama the chance to appoint the only non-conservative Mississippian on the 5th Circuit. But I am hearing that a Mississippian may not get the slot at all with it instead going to someone from Louisiana. I hope that is not the case.
