Senate rejects Brownback's concerns about judge

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Senate on Monday confirmed as a federal judge a woman who attended a same-sex commitment ceremony, overwhelmingly rejecting the concerns of a Republican senator running for the White House.

The vote was 83-4 in favor of elevating Michigan state judge Janet Neff to federal district court.

Neff in 2002 attended a same-sex commitment ceremony for the daughter of long-time neighbors.

Sen. Sam Brownback of Kansas last year blocked President George W. Bush's nomination of Neff, citing her attendance at the event. But Brownback, waging an uphill battle for his party's 2008 presidential nomination, yielded to demands to permit a Senate confirmation vote.

He reiterated concerns, however, she may fail to uphold the Michigan law against same-sex marriage.

Sen. Carl Levin, a Michigan Democrat, said Neff's attendance at the private ceremony in Massachusetts should not be a factor in her nomination. Gay marriage is legal in Massachusetts.

"Her qualifications are clear as she currently serves on the Michigan court of appeals," Levin said, adding she has received a number of awards and honors.