McGinty, African-American Leaders Condemn Toomey Obstruction on Haywood Judicial Nomination

Press Release

Katie McGinty, Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate, today was joined by African-American leaders in Pennsylvania in condemning Senator Pat Toomey's opposition to the nomination of Rebecca Ross Haywood to U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third District and Chief Judge Merrick Garland to the Supreme Court. McGinty was joined by Senator Vincent Hughes, State Rep. Ed Gainey and Philadelphia Councilwomen Cherelle Parker and Cindy Bass in calling on Toomey to end the obstruction and to support Haywood's confirmation.

"It is disappointing, but not surprising that Pat Toomey would plan to block Rebecca Ross Haywood's appointment to the Court of Appeals," said Katie McGinty. "Ms. Haywood is more than qualified to be on the bench, but Senator Toomey is more concerned with playing politics and stacking the court with partisan Republicans than doing his job."

"I applaud President Obama for nominating Rebecca Ross Haywood to the bench. It is an historic nomination, as she would be the first African-American woman to serve in the Third District of the Court of Appeals," saidState Senator Vincent Hughes. "It is disappointing that Senator Toomey would engage in partisan obstruction, rather than supporting this qualified woman to serve on the bench."

"Pat Toomey has made it clear that he has no interest in supporting any judge who is appointed by President Obama. It is sad that he would use his position to deny a qualified African-American woman a seat on the bench because he is more concerned with advancing his own political agenda instead of doing the job the people of Pennsylvania elected him to do," said State Rep. Ed Gainey.

"Once again Senator Toomey is choosing the path of obstruction and partisanship instead of working to make history by supporting the nomination of a well-qualified African-American woman to the U.S. Court of Appeals. Ms. Haywood is a strong nominee who will serve the people well. It is time for Pat Toomey to end the political games, and to support her nomination," Councilwoman Cherelle Parker.

"Rebecca Ross Haywood deserves a fair hearing, but Pat Toomey is prejudging her simply because President Obama nominated her for the seat. People are tired of Senator Toomey's obstructionism and partisan political games. It is time for him to give both President Obama and Ms. Haywood the respect they deserve and confirm Ms. Haywood based on her excellent qualifications," said Councilwoman Cindy Bass.

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