Political Quotes

“I am so proud to be here on the floor of the Senate to support the nomination of Judge George Russell III. He is nominated to the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, and he has the enthusiastic support of Senator Cardin and myself. Senator Cardin will speak right after me. I thank Senators Leahy and Grassley for moving this nomination, and I thank Senators Reid and McConnell for their cooperation. I take my advice-and-consent responsibilities very seriously. When I consider someone for the Federal bench, I have four criteria: absolute personal integrity, judicial competence and temperament, a commitment to core constitutional principles, and a history of civic engagement in Maryland. I cite these standards because I mean it. I must say Judge Russell-- he is currently on the Circuit Court of Baltimore City--brings the right values to the bench. He has the necessary experience. He has seen the legal system from all perspectives and brings forth a top-notch background. He is nominated to fill the seat of Judge Peter Messitte, who took senior status 3 years ago. I think it is a matter of urgency to confirm Judge Russell because of the backlog we have in our Maryland Federal court. Prior to taking the bench, Judge Russell spent his legal career as a litigator. He spent 10 years as an assistant U.S. attorney in Maryland. He handled both criminal and civil cases. While there he was also a community outreach coordinator. What does that mean?…”