Mornin’ Politocadoes!

The New York State Legislature Senate Committee has blocked the nomination of Hector LaSalle to be Chief Judge of the New York State Court of Appeals for a full floor vote. This comes as a blow to Gov. Kathy Hochul, who has expended much of her political capital following her election.

LaSalle has been questioned closely for his decisions in regard to reproductive rights and labor relations. He says that he was merely enforcing the law as he saw it. He has defended himself as coming from the working class and a friend of unions. Regardless, progressive advocates do not approve of his records and neither have a majority of Democrats on the committee. 10-2 the nomination failed to move forward.

This is the first time since the 1970s that a governor’s pick has failed to move to a full floor vote. Hochul appears to plan to sue to have the vote forced to the Senate floor. Moreover, national Democratic figures such as House Minority leader Hakeem Jeffries have given support to the embattled nominee. Quite why, is unclear as the Appeals Court has moved in a worryingly conservative direction. The last thing they need is a nominally liberal judge continuing that slide.

Welcome to Thursday! Please be excellent to each other in the comments. The Mayor McSquirrel Rule remains in effect. As the Covid-19 pandemic continues, if you have not been vaccinated please consider finding time to get an appointment. If you have had only one dose of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine, do not forget about the second dose! A NEW BIVALENT COVID VACCINE is now available to fight against the latest variants! You can get any type of shot you like, provided you have already been double vaccinated. Even if you are vaccinated, please continue to maintain social distancing measures, wear masks in public areas in accordance with CDC guidelines in regard to your own vaccination status. EVEN VACCINATED INDIVIDUALS CAN STILL GET AND SPREAD IT.