President Joe Biden is likely to withdraw a nominee for the First Circuit Court of Appeals who faced pushback from some Democratic Senate Judiciary Committee members, according to multiple reports.
The nominee, Michael Delaney, has faced criticism from both Republicans and Democrats for allegedly threatening to reveal the identity of a 16-year-old victim of sexual assault while defending St. Paul’s School against her lawsuit. Democrats also raised concerns about a legal brief he signed in 2005 backing a New Hampshire parental notification law for abortion.
On Thursday, the Senate Judiciary Committee again skipped over a vote to advance him to the full Senate.
With Democratic California Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s return last week, the committee was able to advance six nominees — three without any Republican votes, including a nominee who could not recall the contents of Articles II and V of the Constitution during her confirmation hearing — but still did not hold a vote on Delaney.
A coalition of eight progressive groups led by the American Economic Liberties Project urged the committee to reject his nomination in a letter sent Wednesday.
“Mr. Delaney’s record in private practice, as Deputy Attorney General for the State of New Hampshire, and as a volunteer member of the New England Legal Foundation’s (NELF) Board of Directors demonstrates a hostility to victims’ rights, reproductive rights, employee rights, and government regulation that is unsuitable for the lifetime appointment for which he is being considered,” the groups wrote.
Republican South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham called on the Biden administration to withdraw his nomination in a tweet Thursday.
“The parents of the victim involved in that litigation have come to the committee continuously as the nomination has been brought up,” he said. “I understand and share their concerns.”
“Given [Delaney’s] performance in the committee, he should not be placed on the First Circuit Court of Appeals,” he continued.
“For me personally, reproductive rights is a fundamental, core issue,” Democratic Connecticut Sen. Richard Blumenthal previously told The Associated Press. “And I think I’d want to know why he put his name on the brief and what it reflects in his personal view.”
All republished articles must include our logo, our reporter’s byline and their DCNF affiliation. For any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org.
DONATE TO BIZPAC REVIEW
Please help us! If you are fed up with letting radical big tech execs, phony fact-checkers, tyrannical liberals and a lying mainstream media have unprecedented power over your news please consider making a donation to BPR to help us fight them. Now is the time. Truth has never been more critical!
- Jack Smith, Fani Willis forced to defend Trump prosecutions in simultaneous testimonies - December 18, 2025
- Exclusive: Biden State Dept. appeared to ignore emails from would-be Trump assassin - December 16, 2025
- Trump DOJ seeks to block officials from testifying in Judge Boasberg probe - December 12, 2025
Comment
We have no tolerance for comments containing violence, racism, profanity, vulgarity, doxing, or discourteous behavior. Thank you for partnering with us to maintain fruitful conversation.
BPR INSIDER COMMENTS
Scroll down for non-member comments or join our insider conversations by becoming a member. We'd love to have you!
