One of the downsides of fine individuals such as Judge KeithStarrett is that we eventually lose them as they move up thejudicial ladder.

Judge Starrett, after an involved interview process, isPresident Bush’s nominee to the U.S. District Court for theSouthern District of Mississippi. He know awaits confirmation byCongress.

Judge Starrett has served this area since 1992 as Circuit CourtJudge. His creation of the Drug Court, which targets non-violentdrug offenders, has received statewide acclaim and has become thecatalyst for similar courts across the state.

He has become a widely respected judge, not only in legalcircles, but with those who have appeared before him in his court.He is respected for his knowledge, abilities and fairness in theapplication of the law.

While the nomination is only the first step and a confirmationprocess that could take up to eight months, we congratulate JudgeStarrett on his nomination. Individuals of his caliber bringcredibility to the judicial system. Hopefully, the confirmationprocess will move quickly, and he will not get caught in thepolitical morass that has held up other very qualified jurists.