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First Openly Gay Federal Judicial Nominee

I didn't even realize this was a milestone that had not yet been reached, but apparently it is:

Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) is recommending to President Obama that he nominate for the first time ever an openly gay male to serve on the federal bench, according to the senator?s office.

The senator has designated Daniel Alter to serve as judge for the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. His appointment is subject to Senate confirmation.

For judicial nominations, presidents traditionally abide by the recommendations made by the senior senator from the state where there?s a vacancy, which in the case of New York is Schumer.

In a statement, Schumer said he recommended Alter because he?s ?a brilliant attorney who possesses the knowledge, balanced views and temperament required of a federal judge.?

?His outstanding leadership skills, his commitment to justice, and his extensive experience make him an exceptional choice for a position on the federal bench,? Schumer said. ?I?m proud to nominate Daniel Alter. Period. But I am equally proud to nominate him because he is a history-maker who will be the first openly gay male judge in American history.?

I'm not sure where ND CA Chief Judge Walker fits in on all this.

Meanwhile, closer to home, opposition is building re: the recent incident involving two Miami Beach police officers and a beat-up gay guy.

More on South Beach and its evolving relationship to The Gays here.

Full post as published by South Florida Lawyers on February 09, 2010 (boomark / email).