Obama Appoints a Conservative Republican as Federal Judge

          

           The United States Senate today unanimously confirmed Jeffrey Schmehl as Federal District Judge for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.  He had been nominated by President Barack Obama, upon the recommendation of Pennsylvania’s two Senators, Robert Casey, Jr., a Democrat, and Patrick Toomey, a Republican. 

            Schmehl, 57, of the Reading suburbs, currently serves as Judge of the Court of Common Pleas for Berks County.  The conservative Republican, who is half-Italian-American, was first elected in 1997 and retained ten years later, after serving as County Solicitor.  Schmehl had served previously as an assistant district attorney.  He is highly regarded by judges, lawyers and the people as a jurist who is knowledgeable, fair and who has integrity. 

The appointment fills a vacancy in the federal courthouse based in Reading created by the death several years ago of Judge Thomas Golden, a Republican who had been appointed by President George W. Bush.  Federal judges serve for life, as long as they maintain good behavior.

           I was proud to support Schmehl’s candidacy in 1997 and retention in 2007.  As a member of the Board of Elections, he and the other two members ruled in my favor against the County Election Services Office in regard to settling the botched primary election in 2005.  I was honored that Judge Schmehl swore me back into office as Reading School Director last month.  I applaud the President and Senate for his nomination and confirmation and wish him best regards in office as Federal District Judge.