Political Quotes

“Mr. President, I rise to speak in support of the nomination of Arenda Wright Allen to serve as the next U.S. district court judge for the Eastern District of Virginia. I am very pleased to see that our leadership came together to move this nomination forward. I want to recognize Chairman Leahy and Ranking Member Grassley for holding the nomination hearing and reporting this nomination by unanimous consent. Senator Webb and I had the privilege of interviewing several candidates to fill this vacancy on the bench. Ms. Wright Allen stood out for her exceptional qualifications and impressive record in the Norfolk community. She has spent her entire legal career in public service, beginning with her service as a JAG officer in the Navy. She also has the unique perspective of having served as both a prosecutor and a public defender. She spent 14 years serving as an assistant U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia and 1 year in the Western District of Virginia. Today, Ms. Wright Allen is a Federal public defender in Norfolk. Without a doubt, her extensive trial experience will go a long way on the bench. While I was considering Ms. Wright Allen's record, I read several letters of support for her nomination. In addition, the Virginia State Bar ranked Ms. Wright Allen as ``highly qualified,'' and she came ``highly recommended'' by the Virginia Bar Association and the Virginia Women Attorneys Association.…”