Wiseman may get EAGI nod

The nomination of lawyer David A. Wiseman to the Superior Court now rests with the powerful Senate Committee on Executive Appointments and Governmental Investigations which will determine whether he can be the next judge.

EAGI chair Sen. Joaquin G. Adriano indicated yesterday that he does not see any problem in the confirmation process, saying he will personally support Mr. Wiseman to get the Senate’s advice and consent as required under the Constitution.

The committee is expected to meet this week to schedule the confirmation hearing. “From there, we will know exactly what we will be doing with his nomination,” he told in an interview.

“But I’m pretty sure that with his credential and financial disclosure submitted to the committee… I don’t see any problems for him to be confirmed. I will personally support him,” added Mr. Adriano.

The senator from Tinian pointed out Mr. Wiseman is the only appointee so far by Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio who has his resume as well as reports on professional background, community affiliations and financial status presented to the committee along with the appointment letter.

Mr. Wiseman has 90 days to get confirmed before the appointment expires, but Mr. Adriano said they will act on it as “soon as possible.”

Most of the senators are scheduled to leave by next week to Washington D.C., Hawaii and Palau for official visits, so the committee expects to set the confirmation hearing by early next month.

Senate Vice President Thomas P. Villagomez, an EAGI member, on the other hand, disclosed he has been receiving calls asking his support for Mr. Wiseman, although some calls requested him to scrutinize the appointment.

“He has been here on the island for a long time and I just want to wait out until the appropriate time [to decide whether to support him or not],” he said in a separate interview.

“I will not say I will go against him or I will just throw my support. I still would like to get more input from members of the committee,” added the Saipan senator.

Mr. Wiseman, 58, was named on Thursday to fill the vacancy after the appointment of former Associate Judge John A. Manglona to the Supreme Court.

His nomination followed the failure by the governor’s earlier choice, lawyer Eric Smith, to get the Senate’s advice and consent nearly six months ago.

While there was no confirmation hearing on his appointment, Mr. Smith apparently was rejected because of sentiment aired by Mr. Adriano and other members that they wanted a local to sit as a judge.

Mr. Wiseman has said he is confident that senators will act “favorably” on his nomination, citing his experience, qualifications achievements and understanding of local laws and culture in helping him get confirmed.