WASHINGTON, D.C. – Lisa A. Rickard, president of the U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform (ILR), made the following statement on the nomination of John J. “Jack” McConnell for a judgeship on the U.S. District Court in Rhode Island:

“Today’s divided Senate Judiciary Committee vote advancing the Jack McConnell nomination underscores the strong concern that many have with this troubled judicial nominee.

“It is well-documented that Mr. McConnell is less than qualified to be a federal judge, that he has demonstrated a fundamental bias against business, and that his lifetime payouts from his career as a plaintiffs’ lawyer pose serious conflict-of-interest concerns.  Further, his most recent answers to Senators’ questions now raise issues of whether this nominee has been candid with the committee.”

Yesterday, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce sent a letter to members of the Senate Judiciary Committee urging them to oppose the McConnell nomination.

ILR seeks to promote civil justice reform through legislative, political, judicial, and educational activities at the national, state, and local levels.

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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