I have known Ted Stewart for many years and have always respected his character, his commitment to public service, and his judgment. I am pleased the President Clinton saw fit to nominate this fine man for a seat on the United States District Court for the District of Utah.

Mr. Stewart received his law degree from the University of Utah School of Law and his undergraduate degree from Utah State University. He worked as a practicing lawyer in Salt Lake City for six years. And he served as trial counsel with the Judge Advocate General in the Utah National Guard.

In 1981, Mr. Stewart came to Washington to work with Congressman Jim Hansen. His practical legal experience served him well on Capitol Hill, where he was intimately involved in the drafting of legislation.

Mr. Stewart’s outstanding record in private practice and in the Legislative Branch earned him an appointment to the Utah Public Service Commission in 1985. For 7 years, he served in a quasi-judicial capacity on the Commission, conducting hearings, receiving evidence, and rendering decisions with findings of fact and conclusions of law.

Mr. Stewart then brought his experience as a practicing lawyer, as a legislative aide, and as a quasi-judicial officer to the Executive Branch in state government. Beginning in 1992, he served as Executive Director of the Utah Departments of Commerce and Natural Resources. And since 1998, Mr. Stewart has served as the Chief of Staff of Governor Mike Leavitt.

Throughout Mr. Stewart’s career, in private practice, in the Legislative Branch, in the Executive Branch, and as a quasi-judicial officer, he has earned the respect of those who worked for him, those who worked with him, and those who were affected by his decisions. And a large number of people from all walks of life and both sides of the political aisle have written letters supporting Mr. Stewart’s nomination.

James Jenkins, President of the Utah State Bar, wrote, “Ted’s reputation for good character and industry and his temperament of fairness, objectivity, courtesy, and patience [are] without blemish.”

Don Peay, of the conservation group Sportsmen for Fish and Wildlife, wrote, “I have nothing but respect for a man who is honest, fair, considerate, and extremely capable.”

R.G. Valentine, of the Utah Wetlands Foundation, wrote, “Mr. Stewart’s judgment and judicial evaluation of any project or issue has been one of unbiased and balanced results.”

Utah State Senator, Mike Dmitrich, one of many Democrats supporting this nomination, wrote, “[Mr. Stewart] has always been fair and deliberate and shown the moderation and thoughtfulness that the judiciary requires.”

And I understand that the American Bar Association has concluded that Ted Stewart meets the qualifications for appointment to the federal district court. This sentiment is strongly shared by many in Utah, including the President of the Utah State Bar. I would like to place a copy of the letters of support for Mr. Stewart and a list of his major accomplishments in protecting the environment in the record at this point.

This legion of letters and testaments in support of Mr. Stewart’s nomination reflects the balanced and fair judgment that he has exhibited over his long and distinguished career. Those who know Ted know he will continue to serve the public well.

A final note, Ted Stewart is needed in Utah. The seat he will be taking has been vacant since 1997. So, I look forward to expeditiously moving his nomination through the Committee.

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