Graham Statement on the Nomination Process

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina), Senate Judiciary Committee Ranking Member, today made this statement on the resignation of U.S. Attorney for Massachusetts Rachael Rollins and the nomination of Michael Delaney for the First Circuit Court of Appeals.

“Very pleased to see that Judiciary Committee Chairman Durbin supported the resignation of Rachael Rollins, U.S. Attorney for Massachusetts. I urge my Democratic colleagues to follow his lead.

“I, along with every Republican member of the committee, voted against Ms. Rollins’ nomination.  During her confirmation, there were many warning signs that were evident and unfortunately were ignored by my Democratic colleagues.

“I tend to be supportive of district court judges, U.S. attorneys and U.S. marshals nominated by home state senators.  I believe this maintains the tradition of the Senate confirmation process that has stood the test of time.

“However, nominations cannot just be blindly confirmed.  In this case, it should serve as a wakeup call. There is a necessity to make sure we are nominating qualified people – not the favorites of the left and right extremes.

“As to pending nominations in the Senate Judiciary Committee, the nomination of Michael Delaney to the First Circuit Court of Appeals has been held over several times.

“I oppose his nomination.  His answers to questions from committee members, regarding a lawsuit where he represented a private school accused of allowing sexual harassment and assault of a minor student, were ‘beyond the pale’ bad.  The parents of the victim involved in that litigation have come to the committee continuously as the nomination has been brought up.  I understand and share their concerns.

“I urge the Biden Administration to withdraw Mr. Delaney’s nomination.  Given his performance in the committee, he should not be placed on the First Circuit Court of Appeals.”

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