President Barack Obama on Thursday
re-nominated four openly gay candidates whom he previously nominated
for federal judgeships.
The four nominees were among a group of
33 candidates which Obama re-nominated.
Obama knocked the Senate for failing to
act in 2012, saying that many of these appointments “should have
been confirmed before the Senate adjourned.”
“Several have been awaiting a vote
for more than six months, even though they all enjoy bipartisan
support,” Obama said in a statement. “I continue to be grateful
for their willingness to serve and remain confident that they will
apply the law with the utmost impartiality and integrity. I urge the
Senate to consider and confirm these nominees without delay, so all
Americans can have equal and timely access to justice.”
According to gay weekly the Washington
Blade, the nominees are Pamela
Ki Mai Chen, nominated for a seat on the U.S. District Court for
the Eastern District of New York; Michael
J. McShane, nominated for a seat on the U.S. District Court for
the District of Oregon; Nitza
I. Quinones Alejandro, nominated for a seat on the U.S. District
Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania; and William
Thomas, nominated for a seat on the U.S. District Court for the
Southern District of Florida.