Despite political gridlock that has stalled federal judge confirmations this year, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said Tuesday he has no objection to allowing a Senate vote on five nominees early in 2016.
As a result, State Supreme Court Justice Wilhelmina Wright, is expected to become the first female African-American federal district judge in Minnesota.
"This is more than anything the pivotal moment," said U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, who, along with fellow Minnesota Sen. Al Franken, recommended Wright. "All expectations are that she will pass."
On the Senate floor Tuesday, McConnell received unanimous consent to proceed without intervening action or debate for Wright and four other judicial nominees, including two in Iowa.
None of the nominees is considered controversial.
Klobuchar and Franken both sit on the Senate Judiciary Committee, where Wright won the panel's approval on Sept. 17 during a voice vote with no dissent. She faces no discernible Republican opposition and has garnered "communitywide respect" from both sides of the aisle, Klobuchar said.
Wright's Republican supporters include former U.S. Sen. Norm Coleman and U.S. Rep. Erik Paulsen.
Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, told the Star Tribune in August: "You have had several Republicans from Minnesota call me in support of her nomination."
