In 1948, then-Attorney General Tom C. Clark lobbied for Bazelon's—Clark's deputy—appointment to the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago but his nomination was not supported by Illinois' two US Senators, Democrats Lucas and Douglas. In Illinois, there was a widespread perception, including by Lucas and Douglas, that Bazelon was not qualified for the post. J. Edgar Hoover, Bazelon's long-time "friend and patron", had earlier urged Bazelon to take his post in the Justice Department and supported his bid for a judicial post.