BILLINGS – The first Montanan to be seriously considered for a seat on the U.S. Supreme Court says it was an honor to have his name on the short list of possible nominees.
Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Sidney Thomas says nominee Elena Kagan is an excellent candidate with superb credentials.
Thomas is a Bozeman native and graduated from the University of Montana law school. He lives in Billings and serves on the 9th Circuit, which is based in San Francisco.
Thomas says he still doesn’t know how he came to the attention of the White House. He met on April 30 with the president and the vice president. He says they asked good questions.
Thomas says it was obvious that the president really enjoyed his time in Montana and has fond memories of the state.