"This is not an intent to confront the governor in any way on the issue of his appointments," he said. But in his 20 years of legislative experience, he'd "never seen so much opposition to a candidate."

The Senate received thousands of e-mails about Hilder's confirmation. Like public testimony, the confidential letters were polarized in their support and opposition, senators reported.

Sen. Scott McCoy, D-Salt Lake, said any problems in Hilder's record were an aberration rather than a pattern, since the judge has heard thousands of cases and presided over more than 500 trials.

As for what happens next, "We start again," said Nancy Volmer, public information officer for the Administrative Office of the Courts.

"Basically, we reopen the position and start the process again. I'll send out a news release when the job is open and we'll post it in the other places that we post jobs."

The Courts of Appeals Nominating Commission will choose a group of individuals as new nominees and submit those names to Huntsman, who will then select one. That individual will then appear before the Senate Confirmation Committee, which will hold a public hearing and interview session. The committee will then forward the name to the full Senate for confirmation.

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E-mail: rpalmer@desnews.com