New York State Court of Appeals

          On Friday October 17th Governor Cuomo appointed a new Justice to the State Court of Appeals. Leslie Stien a former Upstate Court of Appeals judge. To most peoples surprise he did not re-appoint former Judge Victoria Graffio a Republican who spent 14 years in term.

          Graffio was a well respected member of the Court by people on all sides. But apparently the Democrats have been pushing Cuomo to get another Democrat justice in before the upcoming November elections. Senate Democratic leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins wanted a more liberal seat, she called the nomination a "thoughtful selection."

           Legally Cuomo was supposed to have his nomination in two weeks ago, his reasoning for tardiness was he didn't want the confirmation process to fall so close to the elections. Yet there is no penalty for late nominations.

          Stien and Graffio were among seven finalists Cuomo picked from says reporter Ken Lovvet. “Justice Leslie Stein has extensive judicial experience and has worked throughout her career to help ensure that women, families, victims of domestic violence, and vulnerable New Yorkers have a voice in our legal system.,” Cuomo said.

          Senate IDC leader Jeffery Klein states "Her diversity is her strength, having served in various capacities on the bench, beginning with the local courts all the way up to the State Appellate Division,", and further goes on to say. "Well-qualified and highly regarded amongst her peers, I look forward to her confirmation by the Senate."