'So far, so good' for RI 1st Circuit appeals court nominee: Senator Whitehouse Chairs hearing

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Surrounded by family and friends, Judge O. Rogeriee Thompson is sworn-in Tuesday prior to testifying before the Senate Judiciary Committee. Photo courtesy of U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse's office.
(Providence Journal).

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Rhode Island Superior Court Judge O. Rogeriee Thompson on Tuesday sailed through the first leg of her confirmation as a 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals judge. Not a single Republican member attended her Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, indicating to Democratic supporters that her credentials satisfied even would-be challengers.

"I hope that smooth sailing ... continues on the floor," said Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, who chaired the 25-minute hearing. "So far, so good," Whitehouse later added, saying it would be difficult for Republicans to question her nomination before the full Senate, since they had failed to appear at the committee hearing.

Close to 40 of Thompson's family and friends crowded the front rows in the dark-paneled committee room, some coming from as far off as the Virgin Islands and California to lend their support. The crowd beamed as Thompson entered with her husband, state District Court Judge William C. Clifton;their two daughters, Reza and Sarah; and brother-in-law, state Superior Court Judge Edward C. Clifton. Thompson and Clifton's son, William, was on a term abroad in Spain.

"I am amazed as to the historic significance of this day," said Clifford Montiero, president of the Providence branch of the NAACP. It was Montiero's first Senate Judiciary hearing. "I was never interested," he said. "To see someone who came from such humble beginnings and establish such precedent. I think she's an inspiration to all women, to all minorities and all Americans."

http://newsblog.projo.com/2009/12/washington-dc----state-superio.html


Senator Whitehouse Chaired the hearing in Senator Leahy's place


Introducing her to the country Chairman Whitehouse said the following: "Justice Thompson comes before the committee with an exceptional record of achievement that speaks both to her remarkable talents and her lifetime of hard work. Born in segregated South Carolina, Justice Thompson pursued the opportunity to finish High School in Scarsdale New York, even though it meant moving away from her family at an early age. After excelling there Justice Thompson went on to graduate from Rhode Island's Brown University and to receive a law degree from Boston University."

He noted that she has "21 years of Judicial experience on the Rhode Island bench."

"She also is a historic nominee as she would be the first African American and second woman ever to serve on the First Circuit Court of Appeals."


Senator Reed testified in support of the nominee

"...what really makes Justice Thompson unique is her decency and deep involvement in our community. She has aided numerous charities and supported countless non-profit organizations..." "She is some one I know and respect."


Judge O. Rogeriee Thompson before the committee

She did not have a prepared statement but did take considerable time introducing and thanking her family.

"My job... is to make sure I don't have preconceived notions about a person, to not show bias, to ensure justice for all and to apply the law to the facts."




Senator Franken asked her about her experience in Native American law and how she might have responded to the minority party questioning he impartiality.

She stated that she was not disappointed about the lack of "action here today" (referring to Chairman Whitehouse's reference about the lack of Republican Senators in the room), to the laughter of the committee room.


United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit by party of nominating President



More about her nomination:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x6711414
http://demopedia.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x8340212

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1. When she is confirmed to the 1st Circuit the GOP will lose control of another US Appeals Court

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4. 3rd Circuit and 4th Circuit

Just one minor point regarding Davis' confirmation in the 3rd Circuit.

While technically Democratic nominees do stand at 6 versus 5 for the GOP. Judge Traxler, appointed by Clinton, is almost certainly a Republican. He was initially appointed by Bush I in 1991 and recommended by Thurmond during the Clinton administration and was a Thurmond family friend.

In the 4th Circuit, Judge Maryanne Trump Barry (a Clinton appointee) is definitely a Republican (and coincidentally Donald Trumps' sister), which was a family connection thing with Senator Torricelli. While appointees are tied at 6-6 in the 4th, Republicans have a 7-5 edge on the 4th Circuit.

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2. Senate Judiciary Committee Executive Business Meeting on 12/03, she may get a vote soon

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3. kick