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Three in S.C. at top of Obama lists |
Two longtime Columbia lawyers and a federal judge from Pickens — each with Democratic ties — are among leading candidates for high-ranking legal jobs under the incoming Obama administration, say sources familiar with the process.Columbia criminal defense lawyer Bill Nettles is considered the top contender for the U.S. Attorney’s seat in South Carolina, five legal and political sources told The State last week.Nettles was the lead lawyer for Barack Obama during the state’s primary election campaign. His father-in-law and law partner is Alex Sanders, a former chief judge of the S.C. Court of Appeals and a one-time Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate.Another Columbia lawyer, Richard Gergel, a private practice lawyer who concentrates on civil cases, is considered a top prospect for a vacant seat on the U.S. 4th Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond, Va., said the sources, who spoke on the condition of anonymity.Gergel, husband of Columbia City Councilwoman Belinda Gergel, is a longtime contributor to and supporter of the Democratic Party and candidates, including Obama, records show.
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