(Date)

The Honorable (your senator's name)
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510

Dear Senator (Senator's last name):

I am writing to ask you to support the nomination of Judge Richard Paez to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Judge Paez was first nominated to serve on the Ninth Circuit on January 25, 1996 - more than four years ago. This is an unusually long time to wait, especially considering Judge Paez' qualifications for the position.

Judge Paez currently serves with distinction as a Federal District Judge in the Central District of California, where he has been for over five years. Before that he served as a municipal judge in Los Angeles for thirteen years. When first considered by the Senate, Judge Paez was confirmed unanimously. Many of the Senators who agreed to his nomination in 1994 are still in office. Since he was nominated to the Ninth Circuit, Judge Paez has been through two hearings to review his qualifications and both times he was voted favorably out to be considered by the full Senate. He has been rated well-qualified by the American Bar Association and is supported by a wide array of individuals and organizations, including representatives from the business and law enforcement communities.

By March 15, 2000, Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott will move for a vote on Judge Paez. I strongly urge you to support his confirmation. His confirmation is important to me not only because we have the opportunity to place an excellent judge in this important position, but as a Latino, he represents one of a very few opportunities for my community to be present at this level. It is also important to our judicial system, both how it operates and how it is perceived to operate, that individuals who have worked hard, played by the rules, and are qualified receive a fair chance just like others who may be different from them. Judge Paez has done everything it takes to be qualified for the position on the Ninth Circuit; he deserves your vote.

I hope we can count on you to support Judge Paez. I will be watching and will report back to my community how you vote.

Sincerely,