February 15, 2023
Editors note: background – Senate Republicans sued the Senate Democrats, because Senate Democrats would not a full vote by the whole state senate, on the Hector LaSalle nomination for New York State Court Of Appeals. There were 39 votes against LaSalle, 20 yes votes for LaSalle. This is a definite victory for progressive New York City Democrat state legislators, that believed LaSalle was “too conservative” and “too anti-abortion” for the court of appeals. GOP Legislators deride that idea, saying that LaSalle is a liberal, but not part of the “woke” movement. That has been said on the Wlea Newsmaker Program, by State Senator George Borrello and others, such as Assemblyman Phil Palmesano.
STATEMENT FROM GOVERNOR KATHY HOCHUL : “As I have said from the very beginning, the Constitution requires a full Senate vote on a Governor’s nomination for Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals. While long overdue, the Senate has finally acquiesced to a vote on the floor on the nomination of Justice Hector LaSalle.
“This vote is an important victory for the Constitution. But it was not a vote on the merits of Justice LaSalle, who is an overwhelmingly qualified and talented jurist.
“Now that the full Senate has taken a vote, I will work toward making a new nomination. I remain committed to selecting a qualified candidate to lead the court and deliver justice. That is what New Yorkers deserve.”
From Rockland County Republican Chair and State Chair Candidate Lawrence Garvey:
New York Republicans once again forced the Democrats to do the right thing. Today’s vote shows just how important a strong Republican Party in our state is. We will keep holding their feet to the fire.”
