Rep-Am | Sampson opposes Dannehy nomination

As published in the Republican American:

State Sen. Robert C. Sampson, R-Wolcott, opposed the nomination of former federal prosecutor Nora Dannehy to the state Supreme Court in a preliminary vote Wednesday.

Sampson said he cast one of four “no” votes against recommending Dannehy’s confirmation in the Judiciary Committee largely because of concerns about her judicial philosophy.

He said Dannehy left him unsure on she will interpret the meaning of laws and constitutional provisions because she refrained from directly answering a number of questions during the hearing Wednesday and an earlier one-on-one meeting with her.

Sampson also cited her lack of judicial experience.

“She is being elevated from being an attorney straight to being on the Supreme Court without ever serving on the bench before, and I think we have too much that. In my opinion, there ought to be a prerequisite. You shouldn’t be able to serve on the Supreme Court unless you have actually served as a judge in the past.”

The Judiciary Committee’s 30-4 vote sets up confirmation votes in the House and Senate Tuesday in a special session.