U.S. Chamber President Urges Senators to Oppose McConnell’s Nomination

First-Time Opposition to a Federal District Court Nominee Because ‘He Has Shown a Bias Against Business Throughout His Career,’ Donohue Says

WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Thomas J. Donohue issued the following statement on the Senate’s expected cloture vote on John J. “Jack” McConnell's nomination for a judgeship on the U.S. District Court in Rhode Island:

“Mr. McConnell has a long track record that demonstrates why he is not fit to serve as a federal judge. He has shown a bias against business throughout his career, received a mediocre rating from the American Bar Association, and has millions in payouts coming his way from his years as a plaintiffs’ lawyer that would create a massive conflict of interest. More recently, his answers to questions before the Judiciary Committee raise another red flag about his credibility. It is exceedingly clear that Mr. McConnell does not have the capacity to be an impartial judge.

“The Chamber has never before opposed a federal district court nominee, but we were simply left with no choice in this case. Mr. McConnell has shown time and time again that he would not be an impartial jurist and that’s something we can’t afford while our nation’s job creators continue to struggle. We must take the necessary steps to prevent his nomination from going forward and that is why we are asking for members of the United States Senate to oppose a cloture vote.”

Today, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce sent a Key Vote letter to all members of the Senate urging them to oppose a cloture vote on the McConnell nomination. As the letter states, the Chamber will consider including this vote in our annual How They Voted scorecard.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations.

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