Eileen Olds: followup

Local, Politics, Virginia 1 Minute

Earlier, I posted about Chesapeake J&D judge Eileen Olds. At the time I said:

The article points out that two of the roadblocks that she is encountering are coming from black Democratic senators Louise Lucas and Yvonne Miller. My understanding is that there is more to this story – a lot more

Louise Lucas letter to KaineLast week, I had the opportunity to discuss this situation with both senators, who assured me that they did indeed support the elevation of Olds to the Circuit Court. In fact, Senator Lucas provided a copy of the letter that she sent to Governor Kaine back in November recommending Olds for the position. As I said, there is more to the story.

A certain Republican delegate from Chesapeake effectively blocked Olds’ nomination. Since getting her through the House of Delegates was impossible, the senators agreed on a substitute – Majorie Arrington, a Norfolk prosecutor and a Chesapeake resident. Although none of the vacant judgeships have been filled, I understand that Ms. Arrington has been certified.

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4 thoughts on “Eileen Olds: followup”

  1. Yea, well, that arugement does not hold up. If the delegate is Chesapeake was blocking Judge Olds on the house side, you block his pick on the senate side, and then you are forced to comprimise. Just like Senator Miller is doing in VA Beach, yea, there IS more to the story. John Brown, the republicans pick has already shut his office down and is worring everyone to death for his appointment, sounds like the democrats had the upper hand had they just stuck together. Lessons learned that will not soon be forgotten.

  2. As a long time civil rights activist, I am appalled that our African American representatives missed the boat on this one. The democratic senators in this case in the majority party are both African American. As SJ says, had they maintained their stance in support of Olds, like the Republicans maintained their support of Brown it could have been the a win/win for both. The bigger issue here is a lack of cohesiveness in the Black community. Add to that, that although you do not name him, there is only one other African American judge in the city ( I am a historian also). His name is Rufus Banks. He therefore has to be who you mentionedin your earlier post as the Republican choice. Why would he allow them to use him as the devisive force against Judge Olds? For years I have heard of and seen her good works. To me, Olds here is our Thurgood Marshall; Banks is Clarence Thomas. Hopefully one day “We Shall Overcome”!

  3. This makes absolutely no sense. Judge Olds’ credentials are impeccable. She has served our community well for many years. So if Lucas sent a letter to Gov. Kaine in support of Olds then why didn’t she stand steadfast and broker a deal with her fellow lawmakers to elevate Olds to Circuit Court. So then is this really a case of a Republican blocking Olds or is this a case of someone getting to Lucas and Miller and their sacrificing Olds for their own political gain. It is shameful that our representatives didn’t do more to put the most qualified person on this bench. If we can’t trust our legislators to do what’s right then maybe we need to find some who will.

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