a Multnomah County Circuit judge for the past 11 years, was nominated Wednesday by President Obama to fill an open federal judgeship in Oregon.

If confirmed, McShane, 51, would take a position vacated a year ago by Michael R. Hogan, one of two U.S. district judge posts in Eugene. Hogan moved to senior status.

McShane's appointment likely hinges on whether Obama wins in November. The Senate must confirm his nomination, though most U.S. District judicial nominees sail through the process.

McShane has gained widespread respect since he became a lawyer in Oregon 24 years ago. He grew up in Washington state's Tri-Cities and graduated from Lewis & Clark Law School in Portland.

McShane is gay, and could be one of few openly gay judges on the federal bench.

The job would be a lifetime appointment and he would take on larger constitutional questions than he does now, including free speech, government search and seizure powers, the Endangered Species Act and more.

When he heard his nomination had been announced, McShane beamed and accepted congratulations from attorneys in his courtroom. But he declined comment, noting that he hasn't been confirmed yet.

McShane spent nearly a decade representing indigent criminal clients as a public defender at the Office of the Metropolitan Public Defender in Portland and worked as a judge pro tempore from 1997 to 2001 before becoming a judge in Multnomah County Circuit Court. He has processed one of the highest volumes of cases in the courthouse -- easily a few hundred a month.

Multnomah County Circuit Judge Eric Bergstrom said he thinks McShane has presided over more death penalty cases than another other judge in the state. Bergstrom said both prosecutors and defense attorneys seek out McShane to handle their cases.

Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schrunk and Clackamas County District Attorney John Foote wrote McShane recommendations for the job.

"I think it speaks volumes that a former public defender is admired by the DA's office," Bergstrom said.

This fall, McShane is scheduled to receive the 2012 Oregon State Bar President's Public Service Award. He was nominated by colleagues.

"Widely known for his service to the community, he has made Oregon a better place," U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley said in a statement.

McShane was among a list of five candidates forwarded to the White House for consideration, U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden said.

"While I'm sure that it was a difficult decision, the president's nomination of Michael McShane is an excellent choice," Wyden said in a statement. "Michael's background as a judge, a public defender and adjunct law professor makes this a well-earned appointment that I believe deserves quick confirmation by the Senate."

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