Associated Press
Alaska Supreme Court Justice Morgan Christen has been nominated by President Obama for a vacancy on the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.
Begich recommended Christen for the opening created by the retirement last year of Judge Andrew Kleinfeld of Fairbanks.
Christen must be confirmed by the U.S. Senate.
If she clears that hurdle, she will be the first Alaska woman to serve on the 9th Circuit.
Former Democratic Governor Tony Knowles picked Christen as a state Superior Court judge in 2001. Republican Governor Sarah Palin named her to the Supreme Court in March 2009.
Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski says Christen is an outstanding choice and she will support Christen wholeheartedly through the confirmation process.
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