U.S. Sen. Christopher “Kit” Bond and Gov. Matt Blunt were both celebrating this afternoon, following word that the  U.S. Senate Judicial Committee has voted in favor of Judges Stephen N. Limbaugh Jr., and Greg Kays for federal judgeships.

Limbaugh, a native of Cape Girardeau, currently sits on the state Supreme Court. Kays hails from Lebanon, Mo.

Bond had recommended both nominations, made by President George W. Bush. The full Senate now will vote on whether to confirm them.

“With today’s action by the Judiciary Committee, Judge Kays and Limbaugh are just a step away from the federal bench,” said Bond in a statement. 

“Earlier this month the Senate Judiciary Committee held a hearing on the nominations of Judges Greg Kays and Stephen Limbaugh for the Eastern and Western Federal District Court Benches in Missouri.  Today, the Committee approved and reported out the Kays and Limbaugh nominations….”
   “With bipartisan support there is every reason for Judge Kays and Limbaugh to be confirmed quickly by the Senate,” Blunt added.

Said Blunt in a statement: “I appreciate that the committee recognized that Judges Limbaugh and Kay are highly qualified to serve on the federal bench and I urge the United States Senate to support them.

“Through a long history of judicial service, Judge Limbaugh has proven faithful to our Constitution and the rule of law.  He understands that a judge’s role is not to inject personal opinion into legal controversies, but to apply our Constitution and laws as they are written.  Judge Limbaugh is highly respected and will make an outstanding addition to the U.S. Eastern District Court of Missouri.

“I have the greatest admiration and respect for Judge Kays’ integrity, fairness, dedication to the rule of law, and high competence as a judge.  He has demonstrated the determination to protect law-abiding citizens from criminals.  He will respect the law and Constitution as written and apply both as intended, with integrity and fairness.  Judge Kays will serve the people of the U.S. Western District of Missouri well.”