Durbin, Obama: Senate Approves Judge Frederick Kapala for Federal Judgeship in Rockford
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
Printable Format[Washington, DC] — The U.S. Senate today approved the nomination of Judge Frederick Kapala by a vote of 91-0 to fill the sole federal judgeship in Rockford, IL. Kapala's name was sent to the President for his consideration by former Speaker Dennis Hastert in consultation with U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL). The State of Illinois has a long tradition of seeking bipartisan cooperation in the recommendation of federal district court nominees for Presidential consideration.
“Judge Kapala is an outstanding public servant in the Rockford community. He has a reputation for fairness and is an excellent choice for the U.S. district court. I was happy to join my colleagues in submitting his name to the President to fill this important vacancy and I am pleased that he is being confirmed today by the full Senate.”
“Frederick Kapala is an even-handed judge who has earned this elevation to the federal bench,” said Obama. “I was pleased to join Senator Durbin and Speaker Hastert in submitting his nomination to President Bush with bipartisan support. I’m confident justice will be served throughout the Rockford area under the tenure of Judge Kapala.”
Mr. Kapala has served with distinction as a state court judge in Illinois for the past quarter century. From 1982 to 2001, he was a circuit court judge in Rockford, serving over the years as the presiding judge of the criminal division and the juvenile court. In 2001, he was elevated to the Illinois Appellate Court, and he has served on that court – the second highest state court in Illinois – for the past six years.
Mr. Kapala served in the United States Army, both in active and reserve duty, from 1970 to 1980, attaining the rank of Captain. He graduated from the University of Illinois law school and Marquette University. Before he became in 1982, Judge Kapala worked in private practice and served as a Special Assistant Attorney General in the Illinois Attorney General’s office prosecuting consumer fraud complaints. He has been an active member of over two dozen community groups and legal associations, and he has been a community leader in organizations that have helped at-risk children and families, the mentally ill, and people dealing with alcoholism. Mr. Kapala and his wife currently reside in Rockford, IL. They have two daughters.