The Hispanic Bar Association of Virginia is opposing a Manassas lawyer nominated for a general district judgeship.
The HBA-VA says W.S. “Wally” Covington III – a Prince William County supervisor – has indicated a bias against immigrants, particularly Latinos.
The group has written to Del. Luke E. Torian, D-Dumfries, opposing Covington’s bid for the judgeship vacated by the retirement of Judge Peter W. Steketee this year.
HBA-VA president Manuel E. Leiva said the effort may be futile, since Torian is a Democrat and Covington reportedly has the support of Republican legislators in the area. Republicans control both houses of the legislature.
Leiva said his group was disappointed that seemingly better qualified candidates who interviewed with bar groups were passed over in favor of Covington. “I just think it’s a slap,” he said.
