Groh
WASHINGTON – West Virginia Democrats Jay Rockefeller and Joe Manchin are urging their fellow Senators to quickly confirm Gina Marie Groh as a federal judge.
"Judge Groh is extraordinarily qualified to serve on the federal bench," Rockefeller said in a statement to the Senate Judiciary Committee. "I've come to know her as a supremely talented attorney, a meticulous student of the law and a proven leader in her community and her nomination is deeply personal to me. I am thrilled that President Obama chose Judge Groh to fill the huge void left upon the passing of my dear friend Craig Broadwater."
The seat as a U.S. District Judge for the Northern District of West Virginia has been vacant since Judge W. Craig Broadwater died in 2006.
"Judge Groh is a well-respected and recognized member of her community in the eastern Panhandle of West Virginia, as I have known for many years," Manchin said. "As West Virginia's Governor, I had the privilege of appointing Judge Groh to her current position as Circuit Court Judge in the 23rd Judicial Circuit in 2006.
"I believe that Judge Groh's experience, intellect, leadership, impartiality, and deep roots in the community make her a prudent choice for the vacancy in the Northern District of West Virginia. If appointed, she will be the first resident of the Eastern Panhandle to sit as a U.S. District Court Judge in Martinsburg. Her extensive legal experience and dedication to public service demonstrate that she exemplifies not only the qualities of a talented jurist, but also the high moral character and sense of justice necessary to make a great judge."
Groh's nomination now is before the Senate Judiciary Committee. Since Broadwater's death, the other judges in the district have stepped up to handle the caseload.
"I know Judge Groh is up to the task," Rockefeller said. "She is unrelenting in her commitment and dedication to upholding the principles of fairness and justice that are the foundation of our judicial system.
"I was honored to recommend her nomination to President Obama, and I know the citizens of the Northern District will be proud to have Judge Gina Marie Groh serve on the federal bench.
"Justice requires that our federal bench be fully staffed with the most highly-qualified individuals – and Judge Groh is absolutely the right person for the job. She is a supremely talented lawyer, a meticulous student of the law, a proven leader in her community, and although a native of Maryland, she is a West Virginian through and through."
Prior to her circuit court appointment, Groh served as assistant prosecuting attorney in both Berkeley County and Jefferson County.
Manchin noted that Groh "dedicates her time to countless charitable foundations and serves on a number of boards." For many years, she has worked for such programs as "Robes to School" and the "Meals with Love Ministry," and has been involved with her alma mater, Shepherd University, serving both with the Wellness Center and as a member of the Alumni Board.
"I believe that Judge Groh's experience, intellect, leadership, impartiality, and deep roots in the community make her a prudent choice for the vacancy in the Northern District of West Virginia," Manchin said. "If appointed, she will be the first resident of the Eastern Panhandle to sit as a U.S. District Court Judge in Martinsburg.
"Her extensive legal experience and dedication to public service demonstrate that she exemplifies not only the qualities of a talented jurist, but also the high moral character and sense of justice necessary to make a great judge."