David Hamilton, Obama's first judicial nominee, was nominated on March 17 to sit on the U.S. 7th Circuit Court of Appeals. Though he has faced criticism from conservative groups, his nomination has advanced steadily through the Senate so far. The other two, Gerard Lynch for the 2nd Circuit and Andre Davis for the 4th Circuit, were announced April 2, with far less outcry.

"The first nominee is always going to be subject to the greatest scrutiny," said Doug Kendall, president of the progressive Constitutional Accountability Center.

Obama's low-key approach so far is in keeping with his picks, whom legal experts describe using words such as "safe," "cautious," "careful" and "moderate."

"You would have to describe them as fairly cautious choices," Kendall said. "He has nominated three sitting federal judges who have a decade or more experience on the federal bench.... There won't be a huge fight over their confirmations."

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