Paul Kirby is reporting for the Daily Freeman in a statement Thu., Dec. 29, state Senator Michelle Hinchey said she will vote against Gov. Kathy Hochul’s nomination of Judge Hector LaSalle to serve as the next chief judge of the Court of Appeals. In a statement Thursday and tweets posted on December 22, the Saugerties Democrat said, “While I expressed my support for the many other accomplished and experienced Chief Judge candidates, I had also made it clear that I cannot support a nominee who has delivered anti-choice, anti-union rulings. If Hon. LaSalle’s nomination comes to the floor, I will vote no.” Hinchey said LaSalle’s nomination should be opposed, “Especially at a time when our rights are being attacked by a highly conservative [U.S.] Supreme Court, it’s of the utmost importance that, here in our state, we appoint judges who deeply believe in and defend our New York values.” Hochul nominated LaSalle on December 22, to head the Court of Appeals. If approved, LaSalle would be the first Latino to lead that court and serve as head administrator for the statewide court system. LaSalle is a Long Island native and former prosecutor. He is currently the presiding justice of the state’s 2nd Appellate Division, which handles appeals from state courts in Staten Island, Brooklyn, Queens and Long Island. His nomination is supported by a number of Democrats including Attorney General Letitia James and Kingston Mayor Steve Noble. However, the nomination has drawn criticism from others particularly progressive lawmakers and advocates who cite his history of controversial opinions and past work as a prosecutor. The Senate has 30 days from December 22, to vote on the nominee. Read more in the Daily Freeman.