Hartford, CT – As the Senate Republican caucus votes to block Justice McDonald’s nomination, Democratic State Party Chair Nick Balletto released the following statement:

“Justice McDonald is an extremely qualified judge who received bipartisan support from lawyers across the state and was overwhelmingly confirmed by the legislative body in 2012. There can be no doubt that the Republican Senate caucus was moved to block this confirmation by a purely political agenda.

“Len Fasano and the Senate Republican caucus have chosen to bring the partisan tactics of the national Republican Party to the Connecticut state legislature. This type of politics has never before infected Connecticut’s judicial nominations, and sets a dangerous precedent for what is supposed be a nonpartisan process. Looking at Justice McDonald’s innumerable qualifications, we can only assume other motivations led the Republican Senate caucus to take a hardline stance against a qualified judge. Len Fasano has made the decision to employ Mitch McConnell tactics to prioritize politics over progress and respect for the rule of law. I have always had great respect for Senator Fasano, but after his actions today and over the course of Justice McDonald’s confirmation process, he has lost my respect and, I expect, the respect of Connecticut voters.”