Political Quotes

“One letter is from someone who is a 20-year veteran, working in the Western District. The Western District is where they filmed ``The Wire.'' It is rough, tough, and hardscrabble. This former police sergeant said: In closing, as a 20-year member of the law enforcement community, I know firsthand the need to have judges that are well balanced, fair and great listeners. . . . That is why I proudly recommend Ms. Paula Xinis to the position of U.S. District Judge. I won't go through every letter--the Record will speak for itself-- but when you have retired police officers, those who are not on duty now but who worked with her hands-on and who know the way she works with law enforcement, the way she engages with them when she was a public defender and so on--I think these letters speak for themselves. In closing, let me say this: The job of a U.S. Senator to recommend someone to be a judge is indeed a great honor, but it is an enormous responsibility. I take it very seriously, and I would only recommend somebody who was truly qualified to render impartial justice and bring the competency and the temperament to do that. I believe Ms. Xinis possesses competency, the judicial temperament, and a real commitment to equal justice under the law. I yield the floor. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Maryland.”