The Latest Breaking News from Scott Colom

WASHINGTON — Republican Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith said Tuesday she will formally block a judicial nominee from Mississippi, leaning on a contentious committee tradition that gives senators a de facto veto over appointments to district court seats in their home states.

Republican Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith says she will formally block a judicial nominee from Mississippi, using a Senate panel tradition.

A district court nominee from Mississippi apparently has been held up from a confirmation hearing because of a so-called “blue slip.”