Judges Diaz, Wynn get key Senate vote, head toward confirmation

The nominations of N.C. judges Albert Diaz and James Wynn overwhelmingly passed out of the Senate Judiciary Committee this morning, putting them on track for confirmation by the full Senate.

President Barack Obama nominated Diaz, (above) of Charlotte, and Wynn, of Raleigh, in November for the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals, a step below the U.S. Supreme Court, Barb Barrett reports. If both men win confirmation, North Carolina would triple its representation on the court.

The vote on Wynn was 18-1, with U.S. Sen. Tom Coburn of Oklahoma opposed. The vote for Diaz was unanimous.

It’s unclear when the nominations might be scheduled for a full floor vote. There now are eight pending circuit court nominees for the full Senate, but there has yet to be agreement between Republicans and Democrats on securing floor time for debate.