Jackson Purchase News

U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) addressed the Senate floor today concerning judicial nominations, specifically criticizing Judge Nancy Maldonado.

"I need to return today to another of the Biden Administration’s unfit judicial nominees: Judge Nancy Maldonado," McConnell stated. He cited her significant backlog of unfinished work during her tenure on the District Court in Chicago as a major concern.

"Earlier this month, I pointed out that with 125 motions pending for more than six months, Judge Maldonado sits behind more than 99 percent of all district judges nationwide for her ability to clear casework in a timely manner. She’s the worst in her circuit, and it’s not even close," McConnell added.

Despite these concerns, McConnell noted that Democratic members of the Judiciary Committee did not express alarm over Maldonado's record and voted to advance her nomination. "Perhaps they think that there’s more to being a judge than deciding cases – such as, perhaps, checking diversity boxes," he remarked.

McConnell referenced comments from a senior Senator from Connecticut who is familiar with judicial delays: "'I can remember waiting literally years for a decision from a district court judge, and there is nothing anyone can do… other than seeking mandamus from the Circuit Court of Appeals, which is…close to a death sentence for any litigator…'"

The senator described such delays as "frustrating and costly" and emphasized that ending them is essential for "achieving swifter, more expeditious justice." However, despite recognizing these issues, the senator voted alongside other Democrats to advance Maldonado's nomination.

McConnell concluded by urging his Democratic colleagues to reconsider their support for Maldonado: "It's incredible how clear-eyed our colleague sounds when he’s not burdened with the uncomfortable responsibility of rubber-stamping a favorite of the left’s dark money royalty. His fellow Democrats should take note."