Politics & Government

Northampton County Judge Nominated to Federal Bench

Judge Edward Smith picked by White House to fill Easton's vacant federal court seat.

Written by Tom Coombe

Northampton County Judge Edward Smith has been nominated for a seat on the federal bench, according to published reports.

Smith, a Republican who has served on the county level since 2002, was picked by President Obama to fill Easton's long-vacant federal court seat, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported.

The U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Pennsylvania seat, is based out of an office building on Larry Holmes Drive and hasn't had a full-time judge since 2004.

Smith, of Plainfield Township, is a 27-year veteran of the U.S. Navy and was a partner in the DeRaymond and Smith law firm in Easton before becoming judge.

He told the Express-Times he was "honored and humbled" by the nomination.

U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey praised Smith's service in a statement sent to the Easton Patch Friday morning.

He said the appointment ensures "that the people of the northern Lehigh Valley have will have once again have close, ready access" to the federal court system.

"He is a dedicated, intelligent jurist and I am confident he will live up to the very highest standards," Toomey said.


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