Fayette Superior Court Judge

Paschal English Jr. is being considered for a federal judgeship in the

Middle District of Georgia, headquartered in Columbus, The Citizen confirmed

Tuesday morning.

While the details are few so

far, a representative of U.S. Congressman Mac Collins acknowledged that

English, 56, was one of several candidates being considered for a federal

judgeship.

Doug Graham, the press secretary

for Collins, said the appointment would actually be made by President

George Bush but it must be ratified by the U.S. Senate.

If English is selected to the

federal seat, his replacement in the Griffin Judicial Circuit would be

appointed by Gov. Roy Barnes, said Kara Sinkule, a spokesperson for the

Georgia Secretary of State. That appointment would last until English's

current term ends, she said.

English just began his third

four-year term in January, leaving well over three years for his successor

to serve if English is eventually tapped for the federal judgeship.

English would not comment on

the matter when reached by phone Tuesday.

English, a resident of Thomaston

in Upson County, initially took the Superior Court bench here in July

1987. Prior to that, he served as chief assistant district attorney under

Johnnie Caldwell, Jr., whom he preceded as superior court judge.

English is a graduate of the

University of Georgia School of Law, the same school where he also obtained

his undergraduate degree.