The 5th District Judicial Nominating Commission has announced three nominees for an upcoming vacancy in the 5th Judicial District, which comprises Beaver, Iron and Washington counties.

Assistant Attorney General D. Michael Carter from Cedar City, Washington County Deputy Attorney John J. Walton from Santa Clara and attorney LaMar J. Winward from St. George will vie for the position currently held by District Court Judge J. Philip Eves, who announced his retirement effective December 2005.

A 10-day public comment period will be held before the nominee names are submitted to Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr.

After the review of public comments, the nominating commission may request further interviews or an investigation of the nominees. Then the names will be sent to the governor, who has 30 days to select a candidate.

The governor's nominee must then be sent to the Senate Confirmation Committee, which reviews the nominees and conducts a public hearing and interview session.

Finally, the nominees will be sent to the Utah Senate, which has 60 days from the nomination to confirm the nominee.

To submit comments about the nominees, address a written statement to Commission Chair Alison McArthur, c/o Administrative Office of the Courts, P.O. Box 140241, Salt Lake City, UT, 84114-0241.

Comments must be received by 5 p.m. Aug. 19.