Senators Must Reject McConnell’s Attempt to Pack Court with Extreme Nominees

WASHINGTON – Vanita Gupta, president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, issued the following statement after Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell filed cloture to advance the nominations of Thomas Farr to the U.S. District Court of the Eastern District of North Carolina and Jonathan Kobes to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit:

“At a moment when our courts are under attack, it is more important than ever that those who serve on the bench are fair and independent. By bringing the nominations of Thomas Farr and Jonathan Kobes to the Senate floor, Leader McConnell makes plain his agenda to pack the courts with right-wing ideologues.

“Farr’s unrelenting pursuit of restricting voting rights and defending employment discrimination should be disqualifying. Instead, he is being rewarded with a lifetime appointment. Kobes, who was rated Not Qualified by the ABA, also possesses a demonstrated hostility toward the protection of civil and human rights, including reproductive freedom and LGBTQ equality.

“All senators must reject the confirmation of these extreme nominees and protect the integrity of our federal courts.”

The Leadership Conference sent to the Senate letters of opposition to Jonathan Kobes and Thomas Farr.

The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights is a coalition charged by its diverse membership of more than 200 national organizations to promote and protect the rights of all persons in the United States. The Leadership Conference works toward an America as good as its ideals. For more information on The Leadership Conference and its member organizations, visit www.civilrights.org.