A Senate panel has rejected Gov. Chris Christie’s Asian-American nominee to the New Jersey Supreme Court.

Phillip Kwon before the Senate Judiciary Committee
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The Democratic panel voted 7-6 against Phillip Kwon, handing the Republican governor a rare defeat.

Kwon was grilled through the day Thursday about his political affiliation and involvement in a lawsuit against the family’s liquor store.

The 44-year-old faced questions about a New York liquor store owned by his mother and wife.

Kwon’s mother made 222 cash deposits from store proceeds just under the amount that would trigger federal reporting. The family forfeited $160,000 to settle civil charges.

Democrats who controlled the panel said they were not satisfied with Kwon’s answers.

Democrats also raised questions about Kwon’s politics. He’s an independent but had been a Republican.

Consideration of a second nominee, lawyer Bruce Harris, was postponed.

Governor Christie is holding a news conference to discuss the rejection of Kwon.  You can watch that video below.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

 

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