Senate Approves Gay Judicial Nominee

[William769]

Source: The Advocate

WASHINGTON — In a vote described by California senator Barbara Boxer as “long overdue,” the U.S. Senate on Thursday approved the judicial nomination of Michael W. Fitzgerald, a gay Obama administration nominee for the federal bench.

A former assistant U.S. attorney and current partner in a Los Angeles law firm specializing in white collar criminal defense, Fitzgerald had been targeted in recent months by antigay groups.

But his nomination, Senator Boxer noted in brief floor remarks prior to the vote, had passed through the Senate Judiciary Committee in a unanimous vote more than four months ago. Confirmed today in a 91-6 floor vote, Fitzgerald will fill a vacancy in U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.

“It really shouldn’t take this long to confirm such a high-quality nominee, especially because this seat has been designated a judicial emergency,” Boxer said. “[Fitzgerald] is a respected member of the Los Angeles legal community and will make an excellent addition to the Central District of California."



Read more: http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2012/03/15/Senate_Approves_Openly_Gay_Judicial_Nominee/

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[freshwest]

1. I was going to make a snark at the GOP, but will just give my congratulations.

[William769]

2. Update: Senator Boxer released the following statement late Thursday:

"The federal bench in California will gain an extremely talented new judge as a result of today’s historic vote to confirm Michael Fitzgerald. His sharp intellect and broad legal experience will make him a tremendous asset to the people of the Central District. While I am pleased by today’s overwhelming vote, it is shameful that he had to wait so long for a vote and I hope that Republicans will stop blocking the confirmation of highly qualified nominees."

[Smilo]

3. About bloody time!!!! Congrats your Honor.

[Tx4obama]

4. There were TWO confirmations today, also Gina Marie Groh (N.D.W.Va). Vote: 95-2 n/t

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_federal_judges_appointed_by_Barack_Obama


And more confirmation votes coming up soon.

Harry Reid, Mitch McConnell strike deal on judges

SNIP

Under the agreement, the Senate will consider seven district court nominees before the two-week Easter recess that begins April 2, aides said. Of the seven, the Senate will vote on three judges this week and four next week.

When the Senate returns from its break in mid-April, it would hold votes on three district court judges and one circuit court judge.

Finally, the chamber would vote on two district court judges and one circuit judge on May 7, the day senators return from a state work period.

SNIP

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0312/74019.html