Kay: I'll work for more N.C. judges

First-term Sen. Kay Hagan, D-N.C., has issued a statement vowing to work for more North Carolina judges on the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond. Longstanding partisan bickering among N.C. senators in the past has kept both Republicans and Democrats from being given serious consideration for the post in the U.S. Senate. It has deprived the court, and this state, of good candidates such as Democrats Jim Wynn and Rich Leonard and such Republicans as Terrence Boyle and Robert Conrad.

Here's part of what Hagan had to say:

For 15 years, North Carolina’s interests have taken a backseat to partisan bickering and obstructionism on both sides of the aisle. In November, the people of North Carolina elected me to come to Washington and put their interests first. As Senator Burr and I proceed with the recommendation of candidates to President Obama for the vacancies that currently exist on the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, it is my goal to put forth candidates who are not only highly-qualified for this position, but of whom all North Carolinians, Democrat and Republican, will be proud.
I commit to you that filling the vacancies on the 4th Circuit, and giving North Carolina the representation it deserves, will be a key priority of mine over the next six years. I look forward to updating you on the process along the way, and as always, please feel free to contact my press office with any questions you might have.

I've got a call in to Sen. Burr and hope to talk with him, perhaps Thursday.