Sen. Thomas Kean, Jr. issued a statement Thursday afternoon attacking the Democratic majority on the Senate Judiciary Committee, which rejected Chatham Borough Mayor Bruce Harris' nomination for the state Supreme Court.

Democrats, Kean said, were "out of control" and "did not apply an objective, or even reasonable, standard to Bruce's nomination. Make no mistake about it, Bruce Harris was rejected by the committee for political reasons rather than anything pertaining to his ability to do the job by a legislative majority that is drunk on power."

Kean said Harris' "intellect, personal story, professional record, and educational background qualify Bruce by any objective measure to serve on the Court."

Kean introduced Harris to the committee at the start of the day's hearing, calling him an intelligent and "compassionate individual" who "will bring a great perspective to the court."

With the 7-6 vote against Harris' nomination, Kean said Democrats have "[smeared] a good man's reputation" and used the nomination as grounds to "pick a fight with this Governor."

Harris is the second of Gov. Chris Christie's nominees to the state Supreme Court to be rejected by the committee this year. Phillip H. Kwon also failed to garner enough votes from the committee at his hearing in March.

The committee's actions, Kean said, are "reprehensible, irresponsible, and an abdication of their duties as Senators."