Last week in New Jersey, the Senate Judiciary Committee rejected Phillip Kwon's nomination to the state Supreme Court: N.J. Senate committee rejects Gov. Christie's Supreme Court nominee Phillip Kwon .After hours of questioning and debate, the Democratic-led committee ultimately voted 7-6 against Chris Christie's pick, marking the first time in modern history that New Jersey lawmakers have turned down a governor's choice for the state's highest court.
For Kwon, his bid for the state’s highest court ended in stunned silence as Sen. Nicholas Scutari (D-Union), chairman of the committee, cast the seventh and final "no" vote about 6:45.If confirmed, Kown would have been New Jersey's first Asian American justice. But it was pretty clear early on, amidst the partisan bickering, that this was not going to happen. More here: Democrats Reject Christie Choice for New Jersey’s Top Court.
Kwon declined to comment as he left the room with his wife, Sung Hui "Chris" Kwon. He retained a cool expression for most of the long hearing, but for a brief moment when he choked up over the honor of his nomination during opening remarks.
"I find it difficult to express just how humbled I feel to be sitting here before you today to be considered as an associate justice for the New Jersey Supreme Court," he said.