Schumer backs NY lawyer for federal judge slot

WASHINGTON - Sen. Charles Schumer yesterday said he'd recommend New York attorney Bill Kuntz be nominated as a federal judge in Brooklyn.

If confirmed, Kuntz, a partner at Baker Hostetler since 2005, would become the second African-American judge in the Eastern District of New York, which also covers cases filed in Long Island and Staten Island.

Schumer (D-N.Y.) praised Kuntz for "his deep intellect, even-handed temperament, and commitment to public service."

Kuntz received four degrees from Harvard, including his law degree and a doctorate in American history, and for 23 years has served on New York City's Civilian Complaint Review board. He also has worked at several New York law firms.

Kuntz hedged his bets in the last presidential election, federal records show, making campaign donations to Democrats John Edwards, Bill Richardson, Hillary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama, as well as to Republicans Rudy Giuliani and John McCain. He also donated $1,000 to Schumer and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) last year.

Kuntz is the second candidate nominated for the eight vacancies on New York's federal district courts.