When President Obama nominated Circuit Judge Susan Hickey of El Dorado last week to an opening on the federal district court bench in the western district of Arkansas, it was his first blow for affirmative action in federal justice-related appointments.

Obama took office more than two years ago with a slate of two U.S. attorneys, two federal marshals and four federal district court judges to appoint in Arkansas. Hickey was his first appointment who was not a white male. She is white, however.

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Obama’s appointments so far, in addition to Hickey: U.S. Marshals Harold Oglesby and Clifton Massanelli; U.S. Attorneys Conner Eldridge and Chris Thyer, and district Judges Price Marshall and P.K. Holmes. Hickey still must be confirmed by the Senate. Obama has yet to announce a pick for a last remaining judgeship vacancy in Little Rock.

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