PROVO — Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. has nominated Darold J. McDade as the newest 4th District judge.

McDade must win approval of the Senate Judicial Confirmation Committee before he can don the robes.

"(We're) not there to rubber stamp the governor's appointment," said committee Chairman Sen. Chris Buttars, R-West Jordan. "I'm looking for the cream of the crop. I start out believing (he) is the cream of the crop and if we find out he isn't, we get deeply into it."

Until June 1, the public is invited to weigh in on McDade — both positive and negative.

"I don't have any worries on the confirmation process," McDade said. "It's just a little scary when you haven't done it before. (But) I'm ready."

The senate committee will wade through those comments, continue its own research into McDade's background and professional experience, then call him in for an interview.

After the five-member committee votes, it will take a recommendation to the full Senate for another vote.

"We will do a complete assessment," Buttars said. "(We) look in every dark corner and what's in it. We believe that's our job."

It's not often that the committee rejects an appointee but it does happen, Buttars said.

Buttars said he has never met McDade and only knows him through his two-page resume, which lists his education at Brigham Young University's J. Reuben Clark Law School and his legal experience as an assistant attorney general for Utah.

He's been in the Provo office of the Child and Family Support Division for the Utah Attorney General for more than 15 years but will resign if he's appointed to the bench.

He'll also have to step down as a city councilman for Pleasant Grove.

"They don't let politicians be judges," McDade said with a laugh. "Therefore, I've got to (resign). That'll be a tough thing. I've come to enjoy that quite a bit."

McDade has served for almost almost eight years. His term is up in November.

"He's not afraid to face issues. He's not afraid to face challenges and problems," said fellow City Councilman Lee Jensen. "That will be good as a judge."

After the 30-day public comment period, the Senate committee has another 30 days for the interview.

"We ask some very, very tough questions," Buttars said. "I always go in very hopeful, but I don't go in as their friend. I go in as a critic, looking for a great person and nothing less is acceptable."

Comments about McDade are due by 5 p.m. June 1. They can be sent to Jerry Howe at the Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel, Utah State Capitol Complex, W210 House Building, Salt Lake City, Utah 84114-5210. Letters must include the writer's name, address and telephone number.

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