(St. Paul, MN) -- The Commission on Judicial Selection today announced two First Judicial District trial court bench vacancies.

The first vacancy will occur with the retirement of the Honorable Thomas R. Howe effective on December 2, 2003. The Supreme Court certified the continuation of this judgeship for Scott County.

The second vacancy will occur with the retirement of the Honorable Thomas M. Murphy effective on January 3, 2004. The Supreme Court certified the continuation of this judgeship for Dakota County.

Anyone learned in the law who is a resident of the First Judicial District may request an application for either or both positions by calling John Hultquist at 651-296-0019, via E-mail at john.hultquist@state.mn.us or by writing:

Eric J. Magnuson, Chair

Commission on Judicial Selection

130 State Capitol

75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.

St. Paul, MN 55155

All candidates for these vacancies must submit an application. Applications and letters of recommendation for either or both positions must be submitted to the above address so they are received no later than 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, December 18, 2003.

Applicants are asked not to contact the commission members individually, as the nine at-large members and the four district members will conduct interviews at a later date.