Las Animas Judge Looks Forward to Federal Bench: Pueblo Chieftain

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Las Animas judge looks forward to federal bench http: / /www. chieftain .com /print.php3 ?story =l l a - That committee will give Blackburn a rating for the U.S. Senate's Judiciary Committee, which will conduct a confirmation hearing and make a recommendation to the full Senate. If confirmed by the Senate, "you are then a federal court judge," Blackburn said. Blackburn is a graduate of the University of Colorado Law School. He and his wife of 25 years, Connie, have three children - Micah, Chad and Lacey - and a 2- year -old granddaughter. Blackburn isn't the first federal judge from the small towns of Southeastern Colorado to find his way onto the federal bench. Judge Lewis Babcock, a native of Rocky Ford, is now the chief judge of the federal district court in Denver. He began his judicial career in the same 16th District where Blackburn now sits, and served on the Colorado Court of Appeals before receiving his federal appointment. "I was privileged to practice in front of him and learn a great deal about being a judge from Judge Babcock," Blackburn said. He noted also that the late Alfred Arraj went from Springfield to become one of the most distinguished federal judges in Colorado, serving for 35 years. Blackburn said his own 26 years of practicing law in the Arkansas Valley have been tremendous, and said the lawyers and judges in this region are "top notch." ©1996 -2000 The pueblo Chieftain Online 2 of 2 9/17/014:59 PM