Jane L. Kelly, who is a federal appeals judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit, is being vetted by the White House for the Supreme Court vacancy, reports The New York Times. Kelly, who is 51, was confirmed unanimously by a 96-0 vote by the Senate in 2013.
Charles Grassley, the obstructionist Republican senator from Iowa and chair of the Judicial Committee, “effusively praised” in a speech on the Senate floor in 2013. Grassley said:
She is well regarded in my home state of Iowa and so I’m pleased to support Senator Harkin’s recommendation that he made to the President and subsequently the President’s nomination of Ms. Kelly.
More from Grassley after the fold.
The NY Times speculates “her nomination could intensify pressure” on Grassley and cause him “to break with his party and hold hearings on Mr. Obama’s Supreme Court candidate.” Grassley may not want to risk his reputation as he faces re-election this year.