1.   An ideological test on judicial nominations could come early.

2.   As chairman of the Judiciary Committee, Gormley controls all appointments by the governor and judicial nominations.

3.   Both nominees have come to symbolize the angry and divisive politics behind judicial nominations.

4.   But the annoying delay could grow worse if, as is now threatened, his confirmation is tied to that of a number of controversial judicial nominations.

5.   But voters have begun to consider judicial nominations among the wide range of issues they examine.

6.   Clinton also mentioned his clean water initiative to help clean up lakes, rivers and streams, and appealed to the Senate to vote on his languishing judicial nominations.

7.   Daschle said Senate votes were planned Thursday on judicial nominations and a defense construction measure.

8.   Democrats have been complaining that Republicans have been stalling judicial nominations, leaving some nominees in limbo for many months and leaving important judgeships vacant.

9.   Democrats and Republicans have been leveling charges and countercharges over which party has delayed more judicial nominations offered by opposition-party presidents in recent years.

10.   Despite the long-term consequences, judicial nominations have not been a major campaign issue for Clinton, his Republican challenger Bob Dole or any other candidate.