Thomas's nomination had been briefly held up by then U.S. Sen. Conrad Burns of Montana, who wanted the nominations of Thomas and A. Wallace Tashima delayed until the passage of a bill to split the Ninth Circuit into two.
Joseph Conrad | Robert Burns | Tony Conrad | George Burns | Ken Burns | Conrad Veidt | Conrad Black | Mr. Burns | Robert Conrad | Conrad II | Pete Conrad | Kent Conrad | Conrad | William Conrad | Conrad Weiser | Conrad II, Holy Roman Emperor | Conrad Aiken | Black Light Burns | Tom R. Burns | Steve Burns | Robert Burns Fellowship | John Burns | Jess Conrad | Conrad Smith | William Joseph Burns | Richard Burns | Ric Burns | Red Burns | James MacGregor Burns | Edward Burns |
Incumbent Democratic U.S. Senator John Melcher decided to seek re-election, but was defeated by Conrad Burns in a close contest.