Nominee Harris Faces Dem-Controlled Panel

Gov. Chris Christie's gay, black Republican nominee to the New Jersey Supreme Court says he's qualified for the post.

Chatham Mayor Bruce Harris is outlining his professional background for the

The Democrat-controlled panel is questioning whether the bond lawyer has the judicial experience. Harris would be the state's third black justice and the court's first openly gay jurist.

The Morris County mayor has alienated gay rights activists by promising the governor he would recuse himself from cases involving same-sex marriage.

The state's black lawmakers also failed to endorse him. Democrats voted down Christie's other nominee in March over concerns about the finances of a family owned liquor store.

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