HNBA Renews Its Call for Nomination of a Hispanic to U.S. Supreme Court; List of 8 Potential Hispanic Nominees Should be Considered

To: National Desk, Legal Reporter

Contact: Andreia Rosa of HNBA, 202-223-4777, http://releases.usnewswire.com/redir.asp?ReleaseID=55826&Link=mailto:andreiarosa@hnba.com

WASHINGTON, Oct. 28 /U.S. Newswire/ -- Upon yesterday's announcement that Harriet Miers has withdrawn her nomination to the U.S. Supreme Court, the Hispanic National Bar Association (HNBA) again urges President Bush to nominate a Hispanic as Associate Justice to the Supreme Court of the United States.

In June, 2005 the HNBA delivered to President Bush a list of eight exceedingly qualified candidates to consider for nomination to vacancies on the Supreme Court: The Honorable Jose Alberto Cabranes, The Honorable Julio M. Fuentes, The Honorable Emilio M. Garza, The Honorable Alberto R. Gonzales, The Honorable Victor Marrero, The Honorable Carlos R. Moreno, The Honorable Federico A. Moreno and The Honorable Sonia Sotomayor.

"For many years now, the HNBA has produced lists of exceptional candidates for nomination to the United States Supreme Court. During that period, the HNBA has shared its Supreme Court lists with the leadership of both national parties. To date, both parties -- Republicans and Democrats alike -- have failed to nominate a Hispanic," Nelson A. Castillo, President of the Hispanic National Bar Association explained.

"As the nomination process reopens and develops over the next few days, the HNBA will monitor closely and hold accountable the actions of the Administration, the U.S. Senate, and the leadership of both the Republican and Democratic parties on their selection of the next nominee to the U.S. Supreme Court. This is an issue of critical importance to our Nation and to the estimated 42 million Hispanics that consider our Nation their homeland," Castillo concluded.

The HNBA is a non-profit, national association that represents the interests of over 27,000 Hispanic American attorneys, judges, law professors, law students and legal professionals. Its continuing mission is to improve the study, practice and administration of justice for all Americans by ensuring the meaningful participation of Hispanic-Americans in the legal professional.