Obama nominates Thompson to First Circuit court
3:43 PM Tue, Oct 06, 2009 | Permalink
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By John E. Mulligan, Journal Washington Bureau WASHINGTON -- President Obama has nominated Rhode Island Superior Court Justice O. Rogeriee Thompson to sit on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit. If confirmed by the Senate, she will be the first black judge and the second woman to serve on the Boston-based appeals court. "This is a great day for the United States justice system and a proud day for Rhode Island. Justice Thompson is an exceptional public servant with a profound respect for the rule of law,'' Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse said in a news release after the nomination was made Tuesday. ``She possesses the legal background, intellect, and temperament to serve well and wisely on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit," said the Rhode Island Democrats, who jointly recommended Thompson's nomination to Mr. Obama in April. Thompson's nomination goes now to the Senate Judiciary Committee, which will vote on whether to recommend that the full Senate confirm Mr. Obama's choice. Whitehouse is a member of the Judiciary Committee. Thompson is the eighth circuit court judge whom the president has named since taking office. So far, the Senate has confirmed one of those nominations. Ojetta Rogeriee Thompson is a graduate of Brown University and Boston University School of Law. She also holds honorary degrees from the University of Rhode Island and Bryant College. Thompson has served on the Rhode Island Superior Court since 1997, the first black woman to sit on that court. Thompson will occupy what is traditionally the "Rhode Island seat'' on the First Circuit court, which considers cases on appeal from the federal courts in Rhode Island, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Puerto Rico. Thompson grew up in segregated South Carolina. Her great-grandfather, a plantation owner, bought her great-grandmother at a slave auction. They later fell in love and raised a family. Thompson came to Rhode Island to attend Pembroke College, then the women's college of Brown University. She graduated from Brown after the two schools merged in 1973. She came back to the state after law school, first working at Rhode Island Legal Services and later opening a South Providence law firm while raising a family with now District Court Judge William C. Clifton. Her brother-in-law is Superior Court Judge Edward C. Clifton. 
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It is a shame that this is the best we can offer to fill the vacancy on this most esteemed Court. Where have all the real jurists gone?
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Does this mean that the Mc Connell nomination was passed over? If that is the case then Obama deserves credit and Whitehouse deserves shame for nominating his major campaign contributor and former work associate to the post.
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Another Rhode Island political hack rises through the judicial ranks. I'm quite sure she made it on her legal acumen and intellect. Yea, Right. Score another Blooper for Whitehouse and Reed.
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I've said it before and I reiterate again. Congratulations and kudos Judge Thompson. Our prayers are with you! You continue to make us all very proud. God Speed!
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Oh yea, because RedHanded and Bill Palazzo possess great intellect and insight! I'm sure she's an incredibly competent jurist, with a solid academic and practice background.
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OMG !! SOME THINGS WILL NEVER CHANGE IN THIS STATE!!!
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I am delighted that Judge Thompson was nominated. She is a steady hand and an experienced and intelligent jurist. Congrats and kudos to you, Rogeriee!
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Please get the facts correct. Thompson and McConnell were nominated for different posts. Second, I do not think that working for RI Legal Services, then being a judge for the past 12 years makes one a political hack. She is not a politician, she is an attorney and jurist. What is unfortunate is that in 2009 she will be only the second woman and first black on the appeals court. Progress is glacial. Congratulations Ms. Thompson!!
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Congratulations! This woman needs to be commended. This has nothing to do with black/white this represents that someone has seen her accomplishments and she deserves this appointment based on merit.
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The RI Political Welfare System at work. 150k for her husband, $150 for her state pension and another $200K for her federal job (10 years until thats a pension). We are paying this family a half a million bucks a year for as long as they live. Where do I sign up?
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I celebrate this nomination who is an excellent choice. Principal Beckmann
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I've never been to Rhode Island, but the comments here give me the impression that the state may have far more racists than I would have imagined. I hope this isn't the case.
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