Coloradan may be considered for high court
DENVER - A new Hispanic judge who grew up in modest circumstances in Southern Colorado said Monday she has been approached by White House intermediaries about being considered to fill a seat on the U.S. Supreme Court.
U.S. District Judge Christine Arguello disclosed the development during an inquiry from The Pueblo Chieftain.
Numerous reports from Washington say President Barack Obama is likely to pick a woman to fill the seat Justice David Souter is vacating. Latino groups are pushing the president to put the first Hispanic on the court.
Arguello said she was asked a week ago by people in Washington and in Colorado "who are in direct contact with the White House" if she "would be willing to go through the intense scrutiny" that would occur if Obama nominates her.
"I said ‘yes.’ I wouldn't have gone this far if I didn't think I could serve my country in this way.”
National Public Radio reported Sunday from Washington that "White House officials are gleefully telling reporters the president’s list includes people not generally mentioned in the press." The network's veteran legal affairs correspondent listed several people, including Arguello, in that category, but did not say what was the basis for the list.
Obama is expected within a week or two to announce his nominee.
Arguello, 53, grew up in Thatcher, Pueblo and Buena Vista. She became a judge in October. Historically, many appointees to the Supreme Court never had been judges.
http://www.chieftain.com/articles/2009/05/19/news/local/doc4a1241599f406563173485.txtNot sure why she would let it be known. I'm sure the President wants the search quiet.