Projo 7 to 7 News Blog

I would oppose McConnell on the basis that his understanding of the law is subject to distortion if it suits his needs. The Lead Paint Trial is a good example of trying to twist the law to suit his goal (in that case huge contingency dollars and, of course, "saving the children"). The Rhode Island Supreme Court threw the verdict out immediately and pointedly criticized the prosecution as deliberately trying to redefine public nuisance law. The only cost was to the state (via the tax-payers) of a few million dollars. Fortunately the pigment industry was spared the verdict but McConnell's misunderstanding of the law cost that industry tens of millions of dollars in defense costs. Spare us another judge who wishes to shape the world to his views regardless. If he wishes to shape the law and the world let him run for the legislature where that agenda is managed.

Further he is Treasurer of the State Democratic party and a relentlessly political person--not that there's anything wrong with that--except for judges.

It would be a poor message to send to the students of law that if you sign on with a big contingency firm and strike gold with the tobacco suit then you are material for a judgeship. Lawyers who seek out prominent contingency cases are generally looking for big bucks with little work. Although they couch their efforts as "to save the world" or "to save the children" I am cynical enough in this case to suspect his zeal is to "make as much money as I can". There will be the occasional bone to throw of a pro bono case for the liberal resume but his selection as lead counsel for the disastrous lead paint suit should disqualify him from consideration on the basis that he does not know the law.

UGH! on Jack McConnell.

He was the pimp lawyer who convinced Sheldon to sue the paint companies. He clearly made a bundle, but the taxpayer got screwed since we now have to pay for this folly.

But, Sheldon's buddy gets a judgeship.

Was this part of the original deal he made with Sheldon? Or is it a payoff to Lynch?

Either way, bad political payoff choice. Typical for Sheldon, typical for Rhode Island.

This is great news. Tremendous selections for the federal bench. Kudos to both Senators.

Great choices! Both will be there to protect the people and move us in the right direction.

McConnell is a compassionate and charismatic attorney with a committment to justice and fairness. I am glad that he is a Rhode Islander and proud that our Senators have nominated him as a federal judge.

Relatively predictable picks from our two liberal Senators. All the ACLU supporters must be delirious with these selections. In the case of Judge Thompson, while she does have a track record, both she and Mr. McConnell have clearly defined agendas that fit perfectly with the new administration. In the case of Mr. McConnell, who has little to no experience in the federal court system, it just goes to show what hefty campaign donations can do for one's career. Neither one of these individuals possesses the legal intellect for these positions but will be nominated and confirmed regardless. Welcome to the new order!

The old joke is that a judge is a lawyer who contributed to the right candidate. McConnell, who made huge monies on the tobacco suit, has contributed to the max to Whitehouse's war chests and I guess this is the reward. Are there not any judicial candidates who are not so deeply involved in politics and fund raising? Aren't there any competent candidates who are more interested in the law, rather than power, fame and partisan politics. Judges should not be so flagrantly partisan. He is treasurer of the state Democratic party for goodness sakes. Are we to believe that he is the most qualified legal mind out there? Or is this the reward for a particularly wealthy contributor. Let him run for office and change society with changes in the law. Judges are supposed to enforce the law. He has demonstrated a wish to write the law (see Lead Paint debacle).

Jack McConnell will make a great federal judge. Anyone who has been in Court with him will agree that he is an excellent lawyer who is very smart and totally committed to fairness and justice. He always treats his opponents with respect. People like "Pod" who object to his nomination of the grounds of some right wing pro-big business litmus test should give it a rest. The last eight years are finally over! Now finally federal judicial appointments can be made on the basis of merit.

Jack has all of the qualities that great judges have shared throughout history. He is compassionate. He understands how to solve complex problems. He has a relentless intellect. And his intelligence is only matched by the passion in his heart for the law and for justice. Throughout his career, Jack has demonstrated these qualities: whether representing injured asbestos workers, developmentally disabled adults or childhood victims of lead poisoning.

There are many people who often do not have the same level of access to justice as others because of barriers such as race, class and gender. I believe that Attorney McConnell's presence on the Court will go a long way to reducing these barriers.

On top of that, I believe that Jack’s compassion will be equally matched by his stern and commanding voice against young people who choose gangs, guns or violence. If there was ever a Judge who could get through to our young people, it will be Jack.

Jack McConnell is a well qualified man who deserves this job more than anyone.

Great New regarding Jack McConnell. Search this earth and you won't find a better candidate.