The US Senate today confirmed the nomination of Geoffrey Crawford to the US District Court in Vermont by a vote of 95-0. Crawford is stepping down as a Vermont Supreme Court justice to take the position on the federal bench. US Senator Patrick Leahy, who chairs the Judiciary Committee, steered the nomination through the committee and through the Senate. Crawford was confirmed in less time than any judicial nominee in many years. Leahy, who also is President Pro Tempore of the Senate, presided over the Senate for the vote and announced the outcome.
“Justice Crawford came highly recommended, well qualified, and broadly experienced," Leahy said in a statement. "He’s a well-grounded Vermonter and a good fit for Vermont and our federal court. I appreciate the bipartisan cooperation that has helped me steer his nomination through this intricate process in pretty much record time. His prompt confirmation will ease the transition.”
US Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) said in a statement:
“Justice Crawford is both well respected and well liked. He is admired by other judges and by the lawyers who practiced before him during the 11 years he served as a state court judge. I am confident that he will be a fair and impartial federal judge and that everyone in his courtroom will be treated with the respect and dignity they deserve.
“I applaud Senator Leahy for his leadership in creating a non-partisan merit commission that helped us identify Justice Crawford as we searched for a replacement for Judge William Sessions.”