The Utah Senate Judicial Confirmation Committee questioned judicial nominee Darold J. McDade Friday on hot legal topics such as gay marriage, abortion and racial prejudices.

McDade is a candidate for a 4th District judgeship.

"We seek to identify any and all dark corners in the candidate's life," said Sen. Chris Buttars, R-West Jordan, committee chairman. "This is the final step (for the candidate), and it's the only one that's performed under the public's eye."

McDade graduated from Brigham Young University with both his bachelor's and law degrees. He worked for the Attorney General's Office from graduation to present, and also served as small claims judge and City Council member in Pleasant Grove.

McDade said he has not done anything that would violate the judicial code of conduct. He also stated that he had no personal biases that would color his decisions.

McDade said that if a same-sex couple moved here after a legal union in another state, he would grant them the same benefits as other couples.

When asked about abortion, McDade recognized that his personal feelings wouldn't matter while on the bench. "My opinion doesn't mean a whole lot," said McDade. "If the Supreme Court said partial birth abortions were OK, I would follow it."

The committee favorably recommended McDade to the full Senate for confirmation, which is scheduled to vote Wednesday.