McConnell federal judgeship nomination approved by Senate Judiciary Committee

The Senate Judiciary Committee has approved the nomination of John J. `Jack’ McConnell, one of Rhode Island’s top trial lawyers, to be a federal district judge. McConnell, who had wide support in Rhode Island, has been the target of a campaign by the national Chamber of Commerce, which has lobbied furiously  against him. The 51-year old McConnell has been a plaintiff lawyers against abuses by tobacco, asbestos and lead-paint companies.McConnell was approved on a 13 to 6 vote by the Judiciary Committee, of which Rhode Island Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse is a member. Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina was the lone GOP senator to support McConnell, which makes it likely that he will win confirmation when his nomination hits the Senate floor.

In a brief interview with WRNI, McConnell said he was “incredibly honored” to win the committee support.