The Senate Wednesday confirmed Alabama Solicitor General Andrew Brasher for a federal judgeship, over the opposition of the state's junior senator. Sen. Doug Jones (D-Mountain Brook) found himself on the losing end of the 52-47 vote, which sent Brasher to the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Alabama.
Brasher -- a graduate of Samford University and Harvard Law School -- was nominated by President Donald Trump. His nomination was supported by Sen. Richard Shelby (R-Tuscaloosa) and the Senate's Republican majority. Shelby called Brasher's confirmation "excellent news," following the vote. "I congratulate him on this honor and am confident his integrity and commitment to the law will contribute to the high standard of our judicial system," Shelby said.
Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall said he was proud to support Brasher, who graduated with honors from Samford University and Harvard Law School. "It is hard to imagine anyone who is more qualified to take on the responsibility of a federal judgeship than Andrew Brasher," Marshall said. "He brings to the federal bench impeccable professional credentials as Alabama’s Solicitor General and Deputy Solicitor General for the last seven years, during which time he successfully argued cases before Alabama Supreme Court judges and U.S. Supreme Court justices."
Alabama Republican Party Chairman Terry Lathan criticized Jones for his opposition to Brasher. "Once again, Senator Jones sides with his good New York buddy Chuck Schumer against Alabama," Lathan said. "Solicitor General Brasher has impeccable credentials, with degrees from Samford University and Harvard Law. He has served the state of Alabama with distinction. There is no rhyme or reason for Senator Jones' NO vote other than party politics. Just two more reasons to return the favor and vote NO to Doug Jones in 2020."