Nearly 19 months after taking office, President Barack Obama nominated his first candidate for a federal judgeship in Texas on Wednesday, selecting U.S. magistrate Judge Diana Saldana for an open seat in Laredo. The nomination was praised by Republican and Democratic lawmakers from the Lone Star state. Texas lawmakers have lashed out at the White House for foot-dragging on filling the vacant judicial seats, with four of six of the open posts in border-area courts with high caseloads. Saldana is a non-controversial selection, with support from the state's two Republican senators. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, said Saldana's 'proper judicial temperament and faithful adherence to the rule of law as a judge undoubtedly will serve her well in her new role on the bench.' The nomination now goes to the Senate for hearings and a confirmation vote. 'Judge Saldana is an extremely qualified candidate who should be quickly confirmed,' said Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Texas, chairman of the Texas Democratic congressional delegation. Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Texas, praised the nomination of a hometown judge. 'In this role, she will continue to serve the good people of Laredo and she will continue to uphold the rule of law to the benefit of our nation and state,' Cuellar said. Saldana, 39, was selected to fill the post vacated by U.S. Judge George P. Kazen, who took senior status. She is originally from Carrizo Springs, and received her bachelor's and law degrees from the University of Texas. She was sworn in as a U.S. magistrate judge in 2006. There are two judicial vacancies in Laredo, part of the Houston-based Southern Judicial District of Texas. Other vacancies remain in San Antonio, El Paso, Corpus Christi and Beaumont. The state's Republican senators and congressional Democrats are in agreement on candidates suggested to Obama for nomination to the Laredo courts, which include Saldana and lawyer Marina Garcia Marmolejo. But Republicans and Democrats disagree on candidates suggested for the San Antonio judgeship. Democrats want Obama to nominate state District Judge Catherine Torres-Stahl. Cornyn and Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, R-Texas, have recommended San Antonio lawyer Robert Valdez for the post. Partisan squabbling between the state's Republican senators and Democratic congressional delegation could further delay confirmation for U.S. attorneys for all four judicial districts. 