A vacancy on the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals was created when Chief Justice David Hansen announced his intentions to retire from the bench on April 1, 2003. The vacancy is one of 11 judgeships on the Eighth Circuit, which is based in St. Louis. The Court handles appeals in cases first decided by the federal trial courts from Iowa and six other states in the Midwest.
Grassley said he wants to make sure that all Iowans are aware of the opportunity to serve. He invited those making application to let him know of their interest before Nov. 22 by writing him at 206 Federal Building, 101 First Street, SE, Cedar Rapids, 52401, Attention: Mary Day. Grassley said he plans to recommend three Iowans to the President for the judgeship.
Hansen was appointed to the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in 1991 by President George H.W. Bush. Grassley said this judgeship on the Court was created in the Judicial Improvements Act of 1990. Grassley fought to give the seat to Iowa during Hansen's nomination process.