Wednesday, June 1, 2011

NJ State Senator Praise Confirmation Of Patterson

New Jersey state senators have heartily praised the Senate Judiciary Committee's confirmation of Anne Patterson for a seat on the New Jersey State Supreme Court. Patterson is Governor Chris Christie's first nominee to the high court.

Here's a roundup from leading state senators.

Senator Christopher "Kip" Bateman (R-Somerset), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, issued the following statement regarding today’s confirmation hearing for Anne Patterson, nominated by Governor Christie to the New Jersey Supreme Court:

"Anne Patterson is more than qualified to serve on the New Jersey Supreme Court. She has a rock-solid reputation as one of the brightest legal minds in our state and is highly respected by her peers in the legal community.

" Today's confirmation hearing was a year in the making, but the delay cannot deter from the significance of the moment. Ms. Patterson's appointment to the court would mean that for the first time in New Jersey history, we would have a majority of women on the State Supreme Court. New Jersey would become only the fifth State in the nation to have such a balance.

"Because of Ms. Patterson's education, experience and reputation, I am optimistic she will be confirmed by the full Senate and be the next member of New Jersey's Supreme Court."

Senator Gerald Cardinale, the senior Republican member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, issued the following statement on the release of Anne Patterson from the committee:

“Anne Patterson has unshakable credentials as a legal scholar with high ethical standards and a demonstrable judicial deportment. I am pleased that her conformation hearing has finally been held and look forward to voting for her conformation in the full Senate.”

Senator Beck's Statement on Today's Confirmation Hearing for Anne Patterson

Senator Jennifer Beck (R- Monmouth/Mercer) issued the following statement after Anne Patterson's nomination to fill a vacant seat on the New Jersey Supreme Court was approved today by the Senate Judiciary Committee.

"It has been more than a year since Anne Patterson was nominated by Governor Christie," said Beck, "and it is time that she was heard. In her interview in front of the Judiciary Committee today, I found her to be articulate, intelligent and professional. I believe she will make an excellent addition to the New Jersey Supreme Court. Her background in the New Jersey Attorney General's office under Governor Christie Whitman, as well as the accolades she has earned from her peers in the legal profession, makes her well suited for the bench."

Anne Patterson will have to be confirmed by the State Senate in order to take the bench. The next voting session is scheduled for Thursday, June 9th. "I hope that my colleagues will join me in supporting this exceptionally well qualified individual, and in so doing make history by confirming a female majority to this state's highest court."

Senator Joe Kyrillos (R- Monmouth/Middlesex), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, offered the following reaction to today's confirmation hearing for Anne Patterson to be an Associate Justice of the New Jersey Supreme Court:

"Ms. Patterson said something today that I have never heard from a nominee to our state's highest court- that she would bring humility to the job. She is to be commended for that promise, as the decisions she will make as an Associate Justice have very real consequences for the people of New Jersey."

"Anne Patterson showed today not only that she is qualified to be a jurist, but that New Jersey needs her on the Supreme Court. Her testimony and answers to the Committee's questions were thoughtful, ethical, and demonstrated a piercing intellect."

"The Majority's failure to consider her nomination last year was wrong and unprecedented, and ultimately delayed confirmation of an exceedingly qualified nominee. I am, however, pleased that these confirmation proceedings have finally arrived, and encourage all of my colleagues to join me in voting yes on her nomination."

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