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WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today introduced Eric Schulte and Judge Camela Theeler, nominees to serve on the U.S. District Court for the District of South Dakota, during the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on their nominations. Watch the full nomination hearing here.
Thune’s remarks (as prepared for delivery):
“Chairman Durbin, Ranking Member Graham:
“Thank you for the opportunity to introduce two outstanding South Dakotans to the committee today.
“Eric Schulte and Judge Camela Theeler have been nominated to fill vacancies at the U.S. District Court for the District of South Dakota.
“I’m very pleased to see their families here as well to mark this happy occasion.
“I’m told Eric’s mother is watching from the Dow-Rummel nursing home in Sioux Falls with her many friends.
“I’m sure she must be very proud today.
“I’m also told that Judge Theeler’s daughter, Maya, is missing her AP history test to be here today, so she will be learning a lot more at this Senate committee hearing than that test!
“Eric Schulte has a distinguished record as a longtime lawyer in South Dakota.
“A lifetime resident of Sioux Falls, he attended the University of South Dakota, where he received his B.A. in 1994.
“He received his J.D. from the University of South Dakota School of Law in 1999.
“From 1999 to 2000, Eric served as a law clerk to the South Dakota Second Judicial Circuit in Sioux Falls.
“Eric has been a partner at the Davenport, Evans, Hurwitz & Smith law firm since 2005.
“He was President of the State Bar of South Dakota from 2015 to 2016.
“Of note, Eric is also a member of the Academy of American Poets, and a frequent contributor to Pasque Petals, the South Dakota State Poetry Society Magazine.
“Judge Theeler also has an impressive background.
“Originally from Pierre, South Dakota, she has been a judge for the South Dakota Second Judicial Circuit since 2018.
“She has presided over 57 trials that have gone to verdict or judgment.
“Prior to her current role, she served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Dakota from 2012 to 2018.
“Her legal experience includes being a partner at Lynn, Jackson, Schultz & Lebrun law firm, and working at the Morgan Theeler Law Firm.
“She received her J.D. from the University of South Dakota School of Law in 2000 and her B.A. from the University of South Dakota in 1998.
“Throughout her career, she has participated in volunteer programs focused on youth and students.
“She has presented for years to high school seniors about their legal responsibilities as a adults.
“She often welcomes students to visit the courthouse and give tours and conduct mock trials to help educate them about the legal system.
“I believe both of these nominees have the character and impartiality to serve lifetime appointments on the federal bench.
“I strongly support the nominations of Judge Theeler and Mr. Schulte, and I urge the committee to support their nominations as well.
“Thank you, Mr. Chairman.”