Ernest Sanders Jr., a Little Rock lawyer who served most of a year as a circuit judge by appointment to fill a vacancy in 2010, says he also will seek the circuit judgeship held by Jay Moody if Moody’s nomination to the federal bench is confirmed before the filing deadline for the office ends.

Though Moody’s nomination isn’t considered controversial — and is supported by both Sens. Mark Pryor and John Boozman — it has been held up by a general blockade of presidential appointments by Republicans in the Senate. Votes to end filibusters on a number of routine appointments, including Moody’s, are set to begin Feb. 24.

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That’s the same day that filing opens for Moody’s seat. If his confirmation isn’t completed by the end of the filing period March 3, Moody will file again. Should he be reelected and then confirmed, the seat would be filled by gubernatorial appointment for two years, until the next judicial election.

Luther Sutter has already announced the the position. Cathi Compton has also been expected to run for a judgeship, but has been awaiting the workout of the Moody situation to make a decision.

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