[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 100 (Wednesday, July 26, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Pages S8259-S8261]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     NOMINATION OF JEROME A. HOLMES

  Mr. INHOFE. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that these letters 
in support of Jerome Holmes be printed in the Record.
  There being no objection, the material was ordered to be printed in 
the Record, as follows:

                                                    July 21, 2006.
     Hon. James M. Inhofe,
     U.S. Senate,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Senator Inhofe: I am writing to encourage the 
     confirmation of the nomination of Jerome A. Holmes to be a 
     United States Circuit Judge for the Tenth Circuit Court of 
     Appeals.
       As a U.S. District Judge for over 30 years I have known and 
     worked with many federal law clerks, lawyers, district and 
     circuit judges. I have known first hand of their 
     intelligence, skills, judgment, character, temperament and 
     sense of fairness. In every single one of these criteria Mr. 
     Holmes has uniquely excelled. His scholarship and other 
     credentials are well documented so permit me to emphasize one 
     critically important additional one. Mr. Holmes is dedicated 
     completely to the rule of law, the proper role of the 
     judiciary and to applying and interpreting the law without 
     regard to personal views on given issues. I have seen this 
     commitment guide his every professional task, in civil and 
     criminal cases, as a law clerk, prosecutor and civil 
     practitioner. The Senators and the people of the country can 
     be assured that, if confirmed, Jerome Holmes will be a 
     circuit judge of compassion, fairness and a total commitment 
     to the rule of law. Having personally observed these 
     qualities throughout the years, I could not give a higher 
     recommendation.
           Respectfully,
     Ralph G. Thompson.
                                  ____

                                                    July 24, 2006.
     Senator Jim Inhofe,
     U.S. Senate,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Senator Inhofe: I write in support of the nomination 
     of Jerome Holmes to be a Judge on the Court of Appeals for 
     the Tenth Circuit. In his many years of public service--
     including over a decade with the Department of Justice--
     Jerome has earned a reputation for excellence that few can 
     equal. He served as the Deputy Criminal Chief and the lead 
     prosecutor on some of the most important and challenging 
     investigations and cases in this Office. He was recognized by 
     his fellow career prosecutors for his legal talents, 
     fairness, and fine character.
       As Assistant United States Attorneys together, I had the 
     opportunity to work closely with Jerome on counterterrorism, 
     public corruption, and civil rights investigations and cases. 
     I observed first-hand his tremendous dedication, legal 
     acumen, judgment, ethics, professionalism, and commitment to 
     equal justice under the law.
       I am confident that, as a Judge on the Court of Appeals, he 
     will continue to serve our Nation with great distinction.
       If I can provide you any further information, please do not 
     hesitate to contact me.
           Sincerely yours,
     John C. Richter.
                                  ____



                                              Crowe & Dunlevy,

                                 Oklahoma City, OK, June 14, 2006.
     Hon. James M. Inhofe,
     U.S. Senate,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Senator Inhofe: I am writing in support of the 
     nomination of Jerome A. Holmes, Esq. to the United States 
     Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit. I have know Jerome by 
     reputation since 1991 when I was working for the Honorable 
     Glenn English (D-OK) and personally since 1993 when I moved 
     back to Oklahoma to begin my legal career.
       Jerome is a known leader in a multitude of community 
     activities. He currently serves as a Commissioner on the 
     American Bar Association's Commission on Homelessness and 
     Poverty where his local work has translated into national 
     recognition. He also serves as Chairman of the Board for our 
     local City Rescue Mission, a homeless shelter located in 
     Oklahoma City. As a member of the board myself, I can attest 
     to Jerome's devotion to assisting those who are less 
     fortunate and his incredible leadership style culminating in 
     proven results for the homeless of Oklahoma.
       Hard work and dedication to his profession are just some of 
     Jerome's hallmarks through which he has earned the respect of 
     his colleagues in the legal profession. He always displays a 
     judicious demeanor and temperament that will serve him and 
     his country well on the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals. The 
     first person to turn the lights on and the last to turn the 
     lights off at our office, Jerome's unwavering commitment to 
     his chosen profession is evident. I highly recommend Jerome 
     Holmes for confirmation--both personally and professionally--
     one cannot find a better nominee.
           Very truly yours,
                                                  William H. Hoch,
     For the Firm.
                                  ____

                                                  Crowe & Dunlevy,


                              Attorneys and Counselors at Law,

                                 Oklahoma City, OK, June 14, 2006.
     Re Jerome Holmes

     Senator James M. Inhofe,
     Russell Senate Office Building,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Senator: I write to support the nomination of Jerome 
     Holmes to serve on the United States Court of Appeals for the 
     Tenth Circuit. Having served as United States Attorney for 
     the years 2001--2005, I am well acquainted with the very high 
     standards expected in the federal judicial system, and I know 
     that Jerome would be an outstanding addition to the bench.
       I have known Jerome for many years in the course of us both 
     practicing law in Oklahoma City. I worked closely with Jerome 
     when we were both Assistant U.S. Attorneys in the early 1990s 
     and observed first hand Jerome's work ethic, professional 
     excellence, and intelligence.
       Later when I returned to the U.S. Attorney's Office in 
     2001, I had the opportunity to work very closely with Jerome 
     again. One of Jerome's strengths is his ability to take on 
     and be successful with the hardest and most complex tasks. 
     For example, he served as Anti-Terrorist Coordinator for the 
     Western District of Oklahoma. He made a success of that 
     position because of his ability to analyze the complex issues 
     involved, his ability to work well with many different 
     government agencies, and his outstanding judgment. He also 
     proved himself to be an outstanding administrator in his 
     service as Deputy Chief of the Criminal Division.

[[Page S8260]]

       One of the most significant cases Jerome prosecuted was a 
     public corruption case involving the Oklahoma Department of 
     Health. In that case, a nursing home owner had been bribing 
     the Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Health. Jerome 
     tried the case, won convictions, and won the appeals. The 
     case was significant not only because it was a complex and 
     difficult public corruption case, but because it led to 
     material reform at the Department of Health and within the 
     nursing home industry in Oklahoma. The case is an example of 
     the dedication Jerome brings to his work as a public servant.
       Jerome's character is beyond reproach. He approaches every 
     task with the highest level of professional integrity and 
     ethics. He has the right temperament for service on the bench 
     as well. He can be counted on to be courteous, fair, and 
     reasonable in any endeavor.
       Jerome is well liked and well respected within the local 
     bar. His ability to get along with people and inspire trust 
     in others is illustrated in his election as Vice President of 
     the Bar Association for the State of Oklahoma and his 
     selection to serve on prestigious community boards such as 
     the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, the Oklahoma 
     Academy for State Goals, and the Oklahoma City National 
     Memorial Foundation.
       Jerome would be an outstanding court of appeals judge. He 
     possesses the judgement, intelligence, professional 
     excellence, and integrity to be a truly great judge.
           Sincerely yours,
     Robert G. McCampbell.
                                  ____

                                  Oklahoma City, OK, July 6, 2006.
     Re Nomination of Jerome A. Holmes

     Hon. Edward M. Kennedy,
     U.S. Senator,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Senator Kennedy: This letter is written to you in your 
     capacity as a member of the Senate Committee on the 
     Judiciary, and in support of the pending nomination of Jerome 
     A. Holmes to the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals. Under 
     separate cover I have also written to Senator Specter with a 
     copy to Senator Leahy. Rather than merely sending a copy of 
     the other letter to you, I wanted to take time to write to 
     you personally.
       For the past 30 years I have had the pleasure of serving as 
     a member of the legal profession, as an active trial lawyer 
     on both the State and Federal level. For 22 of those years, I 
     have also served as the chief municipal judge for the City of 
     The Village, a community located in the northwest quadrant of 
     the Oklahoma City metropolitan area. My practice is not on 
     the appellate level, although, of necessity, I carefully 
     follow the decisions that emanate from the appellate courts.
       Since my primary practice involves criminal defense, I 
     have, on numerous occasions, had reason to meet with, oppose 
     and observe Attorney Holmes. There has never been a time when 
     I felt the nominee was anything less than candid, 
     knowledgeable, professional and ethical. He is a worthy 
     opponent, an excellent trial attorney, and has the respect of 
     my fellow defense counsel.
       The appellate courts of our country need--and deserve--to 
     have jurists of Attorney Holmes' high caliber. I have 
     absolutely no doubt that the nominee would devote his 
     considerable intellect to ensuring that the Constitution is 
     properly protected and that cases before him are decided 
     based on the law. If he is elevated to the Tenth Circuit, 
     there will undoubtedly be times when I disagree with his 
     opinion, as is always the case. I can, however, assure you 
     that I firmly believe he will never insert personal beliefs 
     or bias into his judicial thoughts.
       Please permit me a point of personal privilege as part of 
     this letter.
       In 1961 I reported to Marine Barracks, 8th & Eye Streets, 
     as a PFC just out of Parris Island. For the next two years I 
     served as a member of Ceremonial Guard Company.
       The highlight of my tour at 8th & Eye was on July 12, 1962 
     when, as a member of the Silent Drill Team, I had the honor 
     of drilling for President Kennedy, the reviewing officer that 
     evening for the Sunset Parade. I saved the program and sent 
     it to the President. An autographed copy of the program and 
     the transmittal letter from Ms. Lincoln occupy a position of 
     honor on my office wall.
       Senator, I am a Democrat, with deep ties to the party. My 
     father was a Central Committeeman in Ohio, and my grandmother 
     was the party's poll watcher in our small town. I imagine 
     Attorney Holmes is a Republican or he would not have been 
     nominated. His party affiliation does not bother me in the 
     least. He is a lawyer first and foremost and will, I believe, 
     continue to bring honor to our profession and Constitutional 
     protection to our clients.
       As I told Senator Specter, should an opportunity present 
     itself, I would be honored to personally appear before the 
     Committee to speak on behalf of Jerome Holmes.
           Respectfully yours,
     Robert A. Manchester, III.
                                  ____

                                         Oklahoma City University,


                                                School of Law,

                                 Oklahoma City, OK, July 21, 2006.
     Re Confirmation of Jerome Holmes

     Senator James Inhofe,
     U.S. Senate,
     Washington, DC.

       Dear Senator Inhofe: I write in support of the confirmation 
     of Jerome Holmes to serve as a Judge of the United States 
     Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit.
       I have worked closely with Mr. Holmes over a period of 
     years on an important committee of the Oklahoma Bar 
     Association tasked with revising the rules of professional 
     conduct for lawyers. As co-chair of this committee, I 
     observed him closely. He was always extremely well-prepared, 
     thoughtful, cooperative, and considerate. In addition, as a 
     supervisor of student externs from my law school, he was 
     always conscientious and responsible.
       While Mr. Holmes has taken positions on issues with which I 
     disagree, I have no reservations regarding the criteria by 
     which he should be judged in this confirmation: professional 
     competence, integrity, and judicial temperament.
       Thus, I hope the Senate will confirm Jerome Holmes for this 
     position.
           Sincerely yours,
                                              Lawrence K. Hellman,
     Dean and Professor of Law.
                                  ____



                                              Crowe & Dunlevy,

                                 Oklahoma City, OK, July 21, 2006.
     Re confirmation of Jerome Holmes.

       Dear Senator Inhofe: I wish to voice my support for the 
     confirmation of Jerome Holmes to serve as a Judge of the 
     United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit.
       I have known Jerome Holmes for several years, first when he 
     was an Assistant U.S. Attorney, and most recently when he 
     associated with my firm, Crowe & Dunlevy of Oklahoma City. I 
     know him to be very intelligent, very diligent and to possess 
     a high degree of competence on the functioning of the federal 
     judicial system. His background in the law will serve him 
     well in this position. He is dedicated to serving the justice 
     system and the legal profession.
       Although I am a registered Democrat, I believe Jerome 
     Holmes is entitled to non-partisan support because he will be 
     an outstanding jurist who will follow the law, not personal 
     views or beliefs.
       I hope the Senate will confirm Jerome Holmes for this very 
     important judicial post.
           Sincerely,
                                                  William G. Paul,
     Past-President, American Bar Association.
                                  ____

     Senator James Inhofe
     U.S. Senate,
     Washington, DC.
     Re Nomination of Jerome Holmes.

       Dear Jim: I write in support of the nomination of Jerome 
     Holmes to become a Judge of the United States Court of 
     Appeals for the Tenth Circuit.
       Jerome is a very bright, capable, and conscientious person. 
     I have known him for many years, and I know that he became a 
     very able prosecutor in the years he served as an Assistant 
     United States Attorney for the United States Western District 
     of Oklahoma. In that position, he demonstrated common sense 
     and fairness in applying the law.
       When Robert Macy retired as the District Attorney for 
     Oklahoma County, I served, at the appointment of then 
     Governor Frank Keating, on the committee to select a 
     successor. Jerome Holmes was one of the finalists, and I was 
     assigned the task of doing a workup on his skills, abilities, 
     and suitability for the job. In that capacity, I interviewed 
     several federal judges and several agents of the F.B.I. who 
     had observed and worked with Jerome in his years in the U.S. 
     Attorney's Office. All were high in their praise for Jerome, 
     his dedication, and work ethic.
       He has been most helpful in establishing minority 
     scholarships here at the College of Law.
       He is a delightful person, and I commend him to you for 
     this judgeship enthusiastically and without reservation.
                                                  Andrew M. Coats,
     Dean and Professor, College of Law.
                                  ____

                                              County of San Diego,


                            Department of the Public Defender,

                                     San Diego, CA, June 15, 2006.
     Re Jerome A. Holmes

     Hon. Arlen Specter,
     Chairman, Committee on the Judiciary,
     U.S. Senate, Washington, DC.
       Dear Senator Specter: I am honored to support the 
     nomination of Jerome A. Holmes to the Tenth Circuit Court of 
     Appeals. I am a deputy public defender, Chair of the ABA 
     Commission on Homelessness and Poverty and co-founder of the 
     Homeless Court Program.
       Jerome is a member of the ABA Commission on Homelessness 
     and Poverty. Jerome's contributions to the Commission's 
     discussions on homeless and poverty issues are always well 
     reasoned and articulate. He is inquisitive and insightful. 
     Commission members rely on his input and value his 
     contributions. I know Jerome to be thoughtful and 
     deliberative in his approach to a myriad of issues that come 
     before the Commission. He is respectful of diverging 
     viewpoints that

[[Page S8261]]

     come with review of a wide range of issues such as housing, 
     education and people involved with the criminal justice 
     system, to name but a few.
       I am confident Jerome will uphold the highest level of 
     judicial decorum and professional integrity as a member of 
     the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals. I recommend Jerome A. 
     Holmes for appointment to this important judicial position.
       If you have any questions, please call me at (619) 338-
     4708.
           Sincerely,
                                                    Steven Binder,
     Deputy Pubic Defender.
                                  ____



                                          City Rescue Mission,

                                 Oklahoma City, OK, June 21, 2006.
     Re Nomination of Jerome A. Holmes, Esq. to the United States 
         Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit.

     Hon. James M. Inhofe,
     U.S. Senate,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Senator Inhofe: I am writing in support of the 
     nomination of Jerome A. Holmes, Esq., to the United States 
     Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit. I have known Jerome 
     since 2001 when Jerome and I were selected for the class of 
     Oklahoma City Leadership. In 2003, Jerome was asked to serve 
     as a director on the board of City Rescue Mission, a local 
     homeless shelter and rehabilitation center located in 
     Oklahoma City.
       Jerome is a recognized leader in many levels of community 
     service. Locally, he currently serves as Chairman of the 
     Board for City Rescue Mission. His leadership has greatly 
     contributed to City Rescue Mission's national recognition as 
     a model rescue mission for the homeless and poor. Nationally, 
     he currently serves as a Commissioner on the American Bar 
     Association's Commission on Homelessness and Poverty where 
     his work has received national recognition. I can personally 
     attest to Jerome's leadership ability seasoned with character 
     and integrity.
       Jerome is passionately dedicated to his profession as well 
     as his volunteer leadership roles. He has gained the 
     respected of his colleagues in the legal profession as well 
     as those in the human services realm. I have witnessed Jerome 
     in a variety of leadership situations and have always been 
     greatly impressed with his demeanor, temperament, and 
     thoroughness. Jerome is the first person I call when I need a 
     fair unbiased carefully considered point of view--he leaves 
     no stone unturned. I highly recommend Jerome Holmes for 
     confirmation to the United States Court of Appeals for the 
     Tenth Circuit--he will serve our country well.
           Respectfully,
                                             Rev. Glenn Granfield,
     President/CEO.
                                  ____



                                             Oklahoma City, OK

                                                    July 24, 2006.
     Hon. James Inhofe,
     U.S. Senate,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Senator Inhofe: This letter is written to support the 
     nomination of Jerome Holmes to the 10th Circuit Court of 
     Appeals. I am an African American attorney and active member 
     of the community as well as an adjunct teacher at Douglass 
     High School and I hope that Jerome is confirmed by the U.S. 
     Senate. I have known Jerome for almost 15 years and I am very 
     proud to call him a friend. It was that friendship I relied 
     upon when I asked that he serve as a volunteer coach for the 
     Frederick Douglass High School Mock Trial team which has a 
     predominantly African American student population.
       Jerome was very instrumental in helping the Frederick 
     Douglass team in the first year of competition advance in the 
     competition. It was a result of his personal and professional 
     dedication to the students that he was successful in helping 
     inspire these young African American students both male and 
     female to excel in this academic competition. I know Jerome 
     stated that he was greatly enriched by the young men and 
     women that competed on his team.
       I strongly believe that Jerome Holmes has the integrity, 
     personal track record and character to represent the 10th 
     Circuit in a successful manner. Jerome Holmes is a good 
     person who has always reflected his strong belief in the 
     American dream. I personally witnessed as he was able to 
     effectively, passionately and successfully share with the 
     Douglass students that the dreams they hold can be realized 
     in the same manner. I am confident that Jerome Holmes if 
     given the opportunity to serve will uphold the Constitution 
     first and foremost and serve in such a manner that I along 
     with the mock trial students at Douglass will celebrate this 
     achievement.
       If I can provide additional information please don't 
     hesitate to contact me.
                                          L. Don Smitherman, Esq.,
     Attorney at Law.6

                          ____________________