A new list of chief judge nominees for NY Court of Appeals

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ALBANY, NY (WENY) — Following Gov. Kathy Hochul’s chief judge nomination for New York’s Court of Appeals, Hector LaSalle, who was rejected by the state Senate in December, the New York State Commission on Judicial Nomination released a new list of nominees.

Gov. Hochul must choose from the list of seven nominees no sooner than April 8 and no later than April 23.

The rejection of former nominee LaSalle was met with strong opposition from lawmakers across the aisle when the nomination did not immediately go to the Senate floor for a vote after LaSalle’s confirmation committee hearing.

The opposition resulted in a lawsuit filed by Sen. Anthony Palumbo–forcing a full floor Senate vote. Some lawmakers said a new nominee should be voted on by the full Senate on the floor.

“I think it’s very clear that it has to go to the floor. So, our expectation is that it will it absolutely will go to the floor, or we’ll do what we have to do again to ensure that it does,” said Sen. Rob Ortt (R-62nd Senate District).

While some other lawmakers said it’s too soon to determine a floor vote.

“Trust the process, just as we did last time. We will have full and thorough hearings and the candidates, whoever is selected will be vetted thoroughly by the Senate,” said Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal (D-47th Senate District).

A New York State Attorney said the new list of nominees is a good list of candidates.

“I think all of the candidates on this short list have both of those essential qualities, not only judicial and lawyerly chops but also the chops to be a great leader,” said Brian Ginsberg, Partner at Harris Beach Attorneys at Law.