05.09.24

ICYMI: Support for U.S. Attorney Kevin Ritz's Nomination to Sixth Circuit Court Judgeship Grows Despite False Republican Smears

WASHINGTON – In case you missed it, support for U.S. Attorney Kevin Ritz’s nomination to be U.S. Circuit Court Judge for the Sixth Circuit continues to grow, despite Senate Judiciary Republicans’ false claims about him.

In stark contrast to their current attacks, Senate Republicans strongly supported Mr. Ritz’s appointment as U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee. Senators Blackburn and Hagerty backed him for that position, and he was confirmed by the Senate unanimously. As U.S. Attorney, Mr. Ritz oversees nearly 50 federal prosecutors who work hard every day to address violent crime and keep Tennesseans safe.

Mr. Ritz received a unanimous rating of “Well Qualified” from the American Bar Association, a testament to his credentials, temperament, and commitment to legal ethics. Tennesseans agree—he has also received unwavering support from law enforcement, the business community, prosecutors, and defense attorneys in the state.

This includes dozens of officials, organizations, and leaders in the Tennessee legal community, such as:

  • The Memphis Bar Association
  • The Greater Memphis Chamber of Commerce
  • Former Presidents of the Federal Bar Association’s Memphis/Mid-South Chapter
  • Former U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee Edward L. Stanton III
  • Multiple former attorneys with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee
  • Shelby County Attorney Marlinee Iverson
  • Former President of the NAACP Memphis Branch and Chairman of the NAACP Tennessee State Conference Legal Redress Committee Van D. Turner, Jr.
  • Federal Defender for the Western District of Tennessee Doris Randle-Holt
  • Multiple Criminal Justice Act panel attorneys

Additionally, Mr. Ritz earned the support of the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, which represents over 32,000 federal law enforcement officers.

U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, introduced Mr. Ritz at his confirmation hearing and pushed back on Republicans’ false allegations.

All letters of support can be found here.

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