Lead-Paint Plaintiffs Lawyer Confirmed for Federal Judgeship After Filibuster Fails
Updated: Senate Republicans have failed in an attempt to filibuster the judicial nomination of John “Jack” McConnell Jr., a trial lawyer opposed by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
McConnell was confirmed Wednesday after 11 Republicans joined Democrats in a vote to end debate. The Associated Press and The BLT: The Blog of Legal Times have stories on the failed filibuster, and the Associated Press has a separate story on the confirmation.
McConnell, a lawyer with Motley Rice, was opposed by critics who cited his losing arguments in public nuisance suits seeking to hold lead-paint manufacturers liable for lead poisoning. A Washington Times editorial had called McConnell “one of those sleazy profiteers” who “chase big bucks” in tort lawsuits.
Updated with news of the confirmation at 6:37 p.m.
