LaSalle Is Rejected by New York Senate Panel in a 10-9 Vote [View all]

[WhiskeyGrinder]

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/18/nyregion/chief-judge-lasalle-hearing.html

ALBANY, N.Y. — Gov. Kathy Hochul’s embattled nominee to become New York State’s top judge was rejected on Wednesday by a key State Senate panel, the first time that New York lawmakers have rebuffed a governor’s choice for chief judge.

After a combative hourslong hearing, the Senate Judiciary Committee narrowly voted against the confirmation of Justice Hector D. LaSalle, whose nomination has provoked an intense backlash from progressives who see him as too moderate.

The committee’s rejection escalates a divisive intraparty clash that has roiled the State Capitol since Ms. Hochul made her choice for chief judge, who in addition to leading the Court of Appeals also runs the state’s vast and complex court system.

The 19-member committee voted against moving Justice LaSalle to a full vote on the Senate floor 10 to 9. All 10 who voted against the judge were Democrats; two Democrats voted in favor of Justice LaSalle, while one Democrat and all six Republicans voted in favor “without recommendation.”

Luis Sepúlveda and Kevin Thomas were the Democrats who voted in favor.