Federal Judgeship

George Ramos in his Jan. 30 column accurately captures the anger many attorneys, judges, politicians and concerned community activists have expressed to me. I have received hundreds of calls, letters and comments from people who share the sentiments presented so adroitly by Ramos. However, there may be some readers who may misunderstand one of Ramos’ statements.

With regard to his observation: “The anger no doubt deepened with the news Saturday, reported in The Times, that the President intends to nominate George H. King, an Asian who is a federal magistrate in L.A., in place of Paz.” I am confident Ramos did not intend to suggest that the anger expressed by those he spoke to was directed toward Judge King.

Judge King and I were classmates at USC and graduated from USC’s Law Center, Class of ‘74, and I am personally aware of his outstanding reputation as a person and a jurist. I and every other person with whom I have spoken about George King’s candidacy will support his nomination with vigor and enthusiasm.

Judge King, as did Judge Richard Paez and I, went through a rigorous six-month merit screening process, conducted by 10 highly respected attorneys, law professors and community leaders representing a wide breadth of diversity from many areas of Southern California. We were selected from a field of 70 highly qualified attorneys and jurists. It can be safely said that none of us were selected because of connections to Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.).

It can only enrich our federal bench to add another highly qualified ethnic minority.

R. SAMUEL PAZ, Whittier