TEXAS: State's First Gay Federal Judge Approved Thanks To Sen. Ted Cruz
The Senate confirmed three Texans Tuesday night for lifetime judicial appointments, capping an effort to fill vacancies in the state that have languished for years. The nominees — U.S. Attorney Robert Pitman of San Antonio, Texarkana lawyer Robert Schroeder III and Sherman Magistrate Judge Amos Mazzant III — were approved by a voice vote on Congress’ final night this year. Pitman, the first openly gay U.S. attorney in Texas history, will be the state’s first openly gay federal judge. The process was sped up over the weekend, when Sen. Ted Cruz forced action on the constitutionality of the president’s immigration policies. The move failed badly — but gave Majority Leader Harry Reid more time to set up votes on a slew of nominees in the final days of the chamber’s session. Before that point, it was unclear whether the three Texans could be approved before Republicans take over the Senate on Jan. 6.(Tipped by JMG reader Mike)
Labels: federal judiciary, Senate, Ted Cruz, Texas
