Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Thad Cochran and Trent Lott announced today that President George W. Bush has nominated Justice Michael P. Mills of Fulton, Mississippi, to be U.S. District Judge for the Northern District of Mississippi.

Mills is serving as a Justice of the Mississippi Supreme Court. He was a member of the Mississippi Legislature for twelve years where he served as Chairman of the Judiciary "A" and Judiciary En Banc committees. He earned his juris doctor degree from the University of Mississippi School of Law and a master of law degree from the University of Virginia School of Law.

Mills is a Fellow of the Mississippi Bar Foundation and a member of the American Bar Association.

Cochran said, "In addition to his personal traits that include a keen intellect and good character, Mike Mills has had a unique combination of legal, political, and educational experiences that will enable him to serve with distinction as a federal judge."

"Senator Cochran and I were very pleased to recommend Justice Mills to the Administraton for consideration, and I am glad that President Bush has now chosen to nominate him for this important job," Senator Lott said. "I hope the Senate will confirm Justice Mills as soon as possible."