Herb Kohl: “I am deeply disappointed that the Senate has failed to vote on Louis Butler's nomination to the district court for the…”

“I am deeply disappointed that the Senate has failed to vote on Louis Butler's nomination to the district court for the Western District of Wisconsin. The partisan bickering that has prevented a debate and vote on several district court nominees is a stark reversal of Senate tradition and practice. Justice Butler is exceptionally well qualified for the Federal bench. By dint of hard work and perseverance, Justice Butler rose from humble beginnings to be an accomplished lawyer, advocate, trial court judge, Wisconsin Supreme Court justice, and professor. Few nominees have such a strong record of public service. Justice Butler's career has been distinguished by the years he has spent fulfilling the Constitution's guarantee of an attorney and fair trial for all Americans, rich and poor alike. He cut his teeth as a young lawyer representing defendants who could not afford legal representation. As a trial court judge, he earned a reputation for being a tough but fair jurist and was recognized as a top Milwaukee judge. Justice Butler was the first African American to sit on the Wisconsin Supreme Court and he served there with distinction for 4 years.”