CNN

The president picked Judge David Hamilton to fill the vacant seat on the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago.

(CNN) – President Obama has chosen a moderate Midwesterner who boasts bipartisan support as his first judicial nominee, the White House announced Tuesday.

The president picked Judge David Hamilton to fill the vacant seat on the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago. Hamilton has served as a district judge in Indiana for 14 years and was Counsel to Democratic Sen. Evan Bayh while he was governor. He has the backing of both his state’s U.S. senators.

“Judge Hamilton has a long and impressive record of service and a history of handing down fair and judicious decisions,” Obama said in a statement. “He will be a thoughtful and distinguished addition to the 7th circuit and I am extremely pleased to put him forward to serve the people of Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin.”

Republican Sen. Dick Lugar also expressed support for Obama’s pick.

“I enthusiastically support the Senate confirmation of David Hamilton for U.S. 7th Circuit Court of Appeals,” Lugar said in a statement. “Judge Hamilton has served the Southern District of Indiana with distinction as U.S. District Court Judge.”