By MATTHEW DALY
Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) – The Senate has confirmed Louisiana lawyer Wendy Vitter as a federal judge, overcoming opposition from Democrats who criticized her anti-abortion stance and accused her of trying to hide her record on the issue.
Maine Sen. Susan Collins was the only Republican to oppose Vitter’s nomination, which was approved 52-45 on Thursday.
A former prosecutor, Vitter is general counsel for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New Orleans.
Washington Sen. Patty Murray said Vitter failed to disclose hundreds of documents highlighting her opposition to abortion, including a claim at a political rally that Planned Parenthood is responsible for killing 150,000 women a year.
Murray, a Democrat, called the remark careless, reckless and wrong, and said it showed “incredibly poor judgment for somebody who is being considered for a lifetime judicial appointment.”
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Wendy Vitter, wife of former Sen. David Vitter, has been confirmed as a federal judge.
U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), and John Kennedy released a statement following Vitter’s confirmation to be a judge for the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana with a vote of 52-45.
“Congratulations to Wendy on being confirmed by the full Senate today,” said Dr. Cassidy. “She is immensely qualified to serve, and I wish her success in upholding the Constitution on behalf of the good people of the Eastern District.”
“Wendy is whip smart and articulate. She understands and appreciates the rule of law,” said Senator Kennedy. “She will serve the state of Louisiana well.”
David Vitter served as a U.S. Senator for Louisiana for several terms. He retired to run for governor, and was defeated by current Gov. John Bel Edwards. He’s now a lobbyist in DC.
