The White House will no longer appoint an anti-abortion attorney for a district judgeship in Kentucky, after Democrats and pro-abortion groups criticized the move.
President Biden was set to nominate Chad Meredith, as part of a deal he had made with Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. Ultimately, Sen. Rand Paul, Kentucky Republican, tanked the nomination by refusing to return a “blue slip” on him, a Senate custom whereby home-state senators have an informal say over whether a judicial nomination moves forward.
“In considering potential District Court nominees, the White House learned that Senator Rand Paul will not return a blue slip on Chad Meredith,” said Andrew Bates, White House spokesman.