Michelle Friedland of S.F. confirmed for Crazy 9th Circuit Court
The S.F. Chronicle reports: The Senate confirmed President Obama's nomination of San Francisco attorney Michelle Friedland to the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on a near party-line vote Monday.
The vote was 51-40, the bare majority needed.
While handling business cases at her firm, she has also represented the gay-rights group Equality California in challenging California's now-overturned ban on same-sex marriage and in defending a state law that prohibits therapy aimed at turning gay youths straight.
Leftist media outlet S. C. Public Radio observes:
A fully staffed 9th Circuit doesn't mean Washington will change its opinion of the court. For years, the 9th had the reputation for the most reversals by the U.S. Supreme Court. Back in the mid-1990s, 27 of its 28 decisions were either reversed or vacated by the high court. No longer: the midwest 6th Circuit now holds the title of most reversed.
Nonetheless, the 9th is likely to remain a political football. In the last presidential race, Republican candidate Rick Santorum suggested that 9th Circuit judges be banished to Guam.
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http://www.sfgate.com/politics/article/Michelle-Friedland-of-S-F-confirmed-for-9th-5436977.php