Jackson Purchase News

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) addressed the Senate floor today, expressing concerns about the nomination of Adeel Mangi to the Third Circuit Court of Appeals in New Jersey. McConnell highlighted Mangi's controversial record and affiliations, stating, "his radical associations are truly staggering."

McConnell pointed out the lack of attention from Democratic colleagues towards Mangi's legal background, stating, "Yesterday one of my esteemed Democratic colleagues objected that we’re unfairly ignoring Mr. Mangi’s record as a lawyer. Well, I’ve looked at that record and encourage Democrats to do the same."

Highlighting specific cases from Mangi's legal career, McConnell raised eyebrows at the defense Mangi provided for various controversial clients. McConnell mentioned, "For example, did you know that Mr. Mangi defended monopolists accused of fixing the prices of chocolate? Just in time for Easter." Additionally, McConnell criticized Mangi's defense of companies involved in pharmaceutical price-fixing cases, including instances where he opposed union pension funds.

Despite acknowledging the legal nature of Mangi's work, McConnell questioned the alignment of Mangi's legal arguments with the values of the Democratic Party. He expressed, "I don’t begrudge a lawyer or his paying clients—and I’m sure Mr. Mangi was handsomely paid. And besides, we’re talking about perfectly defensible – often successful – legal arguments. But do my Democratic friends feel the same way?"

McConnell noted a growing reluctance among colleagues to support Mangi due to his controversial affiliations and legal representations. He warned, "But his remaining supporters? They might land among the sharks, themselves, if they insist he be judged on his legal record."

The Senate Democrats' response to McConnell's concerns regarding Adeel Mangi's record remains to be seen as the nomination process continues.