State Senator Rachel May is among nine Democrat lawmakers expected to vote against Judge Hector LaSalle’s appointment as chief judge in the state Court of Appeals.
Why? The Syracuse-area lawmaker, like other progressive Democrats in the state legislature, say his court record is too conservative.
“Honestly, I think he really is a terrible choice,” May told Syracuse.com while explaining her logic behind the expected ‘no’ vote.
LaSalle’s judicial record is a sticking point, despite Hochul proposing him as a leader for progressive viewpoints. May said LaSalle’s appointment would tip the court toward a view that favors prosecutors over defendants and past opinions on abortion and labor issues.
If appointed, LaSalle would lead the seven-member Court of Appeals.