The state’s Senators have a big voice in who gets appointed as a judge in their state. this judge would have to have been approved by both Feinstein and Boxer otherwise they’d have put a hold on the appointment.
Judge Walker is a fine judge. He has no patience with foot-dragging. IMO he is wrong on the law here, but his honesty, impartiality and integrity are exemplary. I wish we had more judges like him.