St. Louis Circuit Judge On His Way To Becoming A Federal Judge

It appears St. Louis Circuit Judge Henry Autrey has clear sailing to a federal district judgeship. But his nomination to the St. Louis Federal Appeals Court carries some baggage. Autrey has had no problems in his appearance before the Senate Judiciary Committee in Washington. He has the backing of both Senators and his Congressman. This is the seat that once was intended for Missouri SupremeCourt judge Ronnie White. Senator Carnahan, who endorses Autrey, has reminded the Judiciary Committee that White remains a symbol of partisan mistreatment by the United States Senate, and that many Missourians remain bitter aboutWhite’s objection. White was rejected in a party-line vote three years ago. A vote on Autrey’s confirmation could come in June.