Senate approves Crenshaw's nomination

Waverly Crenshaw, a partner at Waller Lansden Dorch & Davis and nominated by the president 14 months ago, was approved on a 92-0 vote in the U.S. Senate Monday as the newest federal judge in the U.S. District Court for Middle Tennessee.

Since the retirement of Joe Haynes, the Middle District has been in a state of so-called judicial emergency, with the caseload straining the schedule of the three remaining judges. Nevertheless, Crenshaw's nomination - and dozens of others - was caught up in a partisan logjam over President Barack Obama's nominees.