The state Senate Judiciary Committee will not advance the governor's nominee to be the next Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals.
Appellate judge Hector LaSalle's nomination received just 2 yes votes to advance to the Senate floor, with 10 no votes and 7 had no recommendation.
At his confirmation hearing today, LaSalle told Senators about his working class background and his past work to break down the barriers that keep people of color from fully participating in our society.
A court fight over LaSalle's nomination now appears inevitable.
At least 14 Senate Democrats are on record against the nomination, saying LaSalle's record is anti-labor and anti-civil rights.