Former Investigator in Trump-Russia Inquiry Appointed to Connecticut Supreme Court Vacancy

A prior senior federal prosecutor who stepped down from her role in examining the Trump-Russia investigation’s inception has been selected for a vacant position on the Connecticut State Supreme Court.

Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont, a Democrat, unveiled the nomination of Nora Dannehy on Friday. He praised her as a paragon of integrity, committed to following the evidence in the pursuit of justice. Notably, Dannehy led the prosecution of Connecticut’s former Republican Governor John G. Rowland in 2004 for corruption charges, among other high-profile cases during her time as Connecticut’s first female U.S. Attorney.

Governor Lamont, in citing a phrase attributed to President Franklin D. Roosevelt, stated, “Nora Dannehy not only possesses profound knowledge but also an unwavering commitment to justice. She will undoubtedly serve as an exceptional associate justice on the Supreme Court.”

Dannehy’s nomination will be forwarded to the Democratic-majority General Assembly, which is set to convene in a special legislative session later this month.

At 62 years of age, and a Connecticut native, Dannehy served as the U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut between 2008 and 2010. Subsequently, she took on the role of deputy attorney general for the state of Connecticut. Later, she joined United Technologies Corporation as associate general counsel for global ethics and compliance.

In early 2019, Dannehy returned to federal service to assist then-U.S. Attorney for Connecticut, John Durham, in investigating the methods and motives behind federal inquiries into Russian meddling in the 2016 U.S. Presidential Election. However, Dannehy has remained reticent about her reasons for departing from the Durham investigation in its latter stages.

When questioned about potential scrutiny concerning the Durham investigation at Dannehy’s confirmation hearings, Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz, a long-time acquaintance of Dannehy, stated that such questions would be a matter for the legislature to address.

Dannehy, in a brief statement, thanked Governor Lamont for his trust and emphasized her eagerness to return to public service. “I recently entered private practice at a boutique law firm in Hartford where I have had the privilege of working alongside exemplary lawyers, yet my true calling remains in the public sector,” she noted.

This is Governor Lamont’s second nomination for Connecticut’s highest court this year. Previously, Sandra Slack Glover, another federal prosecutor without judicial experience, withdrew her nomination following scrutiny from state legislators over a 2017 letter endorsing Amy Coney Barrett for a federal appellate court position.

Governor Lamont expressed confidence that Dannehy’s appointment would be smooth, stating that lessons had been learned from the failed Glover nomination. He underscored that legislators are quite familiar with Dannehy’s background and credentials.

However, some opposition emerged to Dannehy’s nomination from activists advocating for a more diversified judicial bench. Alexander Taubes, a civil rights attorney and a member of the People’s Parity Project, argued that just as a jury should reflect various perspectives and backgrounds, so should the judiciary represent a broad spectrum of legal viewpoints.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Former federal prosecutor Nora Dannehy, known for her role in the Trump-Russia investigation, has been nominated for a seat on the Connecticut State Supreme Court by Democratic Governor Ned Lamont. The nomination faces legislative review.

More about Former federal prosecutor Nora Dannehy, known for her role in the Trump-Russia investigation, has been nominated for a seat on the Connecticut State Supreme Court by Democratic Governor Ned Lamont. The nomination faces legislative review.

• Nora Dannehy’s Professional Background
• Governor Ned Lamont’s Official Announcement
• Connecticut State Supreme Court Overview
• Previous Nomination: Sandra Slack Glover
• General Assembly of Connecticut: Legislative Session
• Trump-Russia Investigation Summary
• Profile of Former Republican Governor John G. Rowland
• People’s Parity Project Organization Overview