Rep. Simpson wants Another Idaho Federal Judge

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — U.S. Rep. Mike Simpson has introduced a bill designed to add a third federal judge in Idaho to help offset an expanding and cumbersome caseload.

The Republican says it's past time for Idaho to get a third federal judge. The federal court system in Idaho is now overseen by two federal judges — B. Lynn Winmill and Edward J. Lodge. As Idaho's population has ballooned in the last decade, so too has the pressure on the federal courts.

For example, Simpson says total filings increased 26 percent between 2007 and 2013, and pending caseloads have increased during the same span by 30 percent. Simpson also says Idaho now has a heavier caseload than other rural states with three judges — including Alaska, Montana, South Dakota and Wyoming.