Update: Presiding judge's daughter confirmed as judge
4:18 PM Fri, Jun 26, 2009 | Permalink
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PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Kristin E. Rodgers, daughter of retiring Superior Court Presiding Judge Joseph F. Rodgers Jr., won state Senate confirmation Friday to become a Superior Court judge. The vote was 31 to 0.  Kristin E. Rodgers Governor Carcieri on June 17 nominated Rodgers, 41, to replace Judge Vincent A. Ragosta, who retired in May 2008. The Senate vote gave final approval to Rodgers' judgeship. The state still has several vacant seats at all echelons of the courts that are in the process of being filled. Sen. John F. McBurney III, D-Pawtucket, said in remarks to those gathered in the green-walled Senate chamber that some there understood "the honor and responsibility when we carry on in the footsteps of a parent." He added that Rodgers' academic, athletic, career and other achievements indicate "she has honored her mother and father well." Senators stood, turned toward Rodgers -- who attended the vote with her mother, father and two brothers -- and applauded her. "I'm happy and delighted to serve the state of Rhode Island," Rodgers said outside of the chamber after being confirmed. On Thursday, the Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously endorsed Rodgers' nomination after hearing people speak about her legal talents and other qualities. Among those who spoke on her behalf Thursday were her high school principal, Superior Court Judge Alice B. Gibney, and lawyer Joseph V. Cavanagh Jr. of the firm where Rodgers is a partner and has worked for 13 years. Rodgers was a top athlete and honors student at Warwick's Toll Gate High School. As a lawyer, she's handled First Amendment issues for media companies, including The Providence Journal, defended Sherwin-Williams Co. in the state's lead-paint lawsuit and represented the Big East when Boston College left the athletic conference in 2003. Rodgers and her husband, State Trooper Scott N. Raynes, live in the Cowesett section of Warwick and have a 3-year-old daughter. Rodgers holds a Boston College undergraduate degree and a law degree from Catholic University of America's Columbus School of Law. She was a clerk for the late Rhode Island Supreme Court Justice Florence K. Murray, and from 1998 to 2002 she worked as East Greenwich's assistant solicitor. Before joining Blish & Cavanagh in 1996, Rodgers was at Tillinghast Licht & Semenoff, Inc. Her father, as the presiding justice, has been the administrative leader of the state's major courts system for civil and criminal cases, including appeals from the District Court. The Journal has reported that the retiring presiding justice knew of one judge, Alice B. Gibney, on his court interested in succeeding him as presiding justice. 
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Another Great Job by Rhode Island legislators.
The Senate rubber stamps the governors decision....good to know they agree on something....even if that something is that its ok to perpetuate the idea that the State of RI is a corrupt little fiefdom rampant with corruption and nepotism by making this appointment.
Nothing against Judge Rogers at all as thats not what this comment is about.......
That said we are represented by idiots from the top down......good to know in addition to this they are tackling such important topics as addressing how the NAME of our state is not politically correct, and prostitution ( more court costs to arrest and charge people with crimes around what is largely a victimless endeavor (please dont include white slavery...different animal)
Keep it up guys...while rome burns maybe the next thing you can tackle is renaming the state flower
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This is an unfortunate situation. Regardless of her skills and merit, the appointment of a daughter to assume her father's prominent position on the judiciary is an example of the nepotic traditions of RI jurisprudence. It is most improbable that she represents the best choice from among the tens of thousands of lawyers who would seek such an appointment if the competition were truly open. The Superior Court has not distinguished itself over the past few years and this "homage" to Justice Rodgers only further weakens their perception. At least money did not change hands as in the McConnell/Whitehouse/Reed debacle on the federal side of justice. RI justice, we are reminded, flows from the best money can buy or the best connected. I'm glad I am a law abiding citizen. I wouldn't want this "friends and family" system to make judgements about my liberties or liabilities.
I conclude that to maintain equilibrium in RI you have to lower your expectations, to those of the government.
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Another favor granted!! It is all in who you know not what you know.
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And to think they lambasted Gov. Carcieri for allowing his "niece" to work for the State. Double standard, or just blurred vision? Nothing personal against this Woman or her credentials, but what about the perception to us citizens?
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the family business is to be paid well by the state of rhode island - judgeships, state trooper nonsense - lol - gotta luv ri
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This is why Rhode Island is constantly referred to as "America's Latrine." Another Carcieri-appointed judge who, very clearly, has no business serving on the bench. Congratulations, Rhode Island. She was an athlete? My goodness, then she must be qualified to be chief justice of the Supreme Court!
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I agree w/ Annoyed's comment and no disrespect to this candidate. But when Governor Carcieri's niece was employed by the State, the "Ethics" Committee had a field day crying foul and holding his feet to the fire for violation. Where are those bums now? Bums that's the ticket, only when it behooves them. BUMS!
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Ohhh, LONG LIVE PATRONAGE. No wonder this state sucks so badly.
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