Senator Thurmond sits on the Senate Judiciary Committee, the body
plagued by obstructionist politics for its dealings, or lack thereof...
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Broken
Promises and Partisan Politics Shed(d) Light
on State of Judicial Confirmation Process
When people think of the U.S. Senate and its history, the name
Strom Thurmond comes to mind. The Senior Republican Senator from
South Carolina has served in the distinguished chamber for more
than 48 years. He is the oldest member ever to serve in Congress;
he will turn 100 in December. But when the 107th Congress adjourns
for the year, Senator Thurmond, who is ailing, will retire.
Senator
Thurmond sits on the Senate Judiciary Committee, the body plagued
by obstructionist politics for its dealings, or lack thereof, with
President George W. Bushs judicial nominees since Democrats
became the majority more than a year ago. The infamous "Gang
of Ten" controlling the committee, led by Chairman Patrick
Leahy (D-VT), has successfully managed to redefine, both substantively
and procedurally, the standards by which federal judges are confirmed
political ideology is now the benchmark; traditional considerations
of judicial temperament and respect for the rule of law no longer
count.
Already
this year, the committee voted along party lines to defeat two of
President Bushs nominees for the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals,
Texas Supreme Court Justice Pricilla Owen and Judge Charles Pickering.
Both had bipartisan support for confirmation in the full Senate.
Both were refused votes on the Senate floor.
The
Committee met this week in what appears to be its last business
meeting of the session, and no doubt the last ever for Senator Thurmond.
The committee was to consider judicial confirmations, including
that of Judge Dennis Shedd to the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals.
Judge Shedd, whose confirmation has been held in political limbo
since May 2001, is a former staffer of Senator Thurmond, who championed
his confirmation. The Senator had been given all assurances by Chairman
Leahy, the latest coming as recently as last week, that Judge Shedd
would be granted a committee vote. Senator Thurmond, a man of principle
and integrity, made the mistake of taking Leahy at his dubious word.
With
unprecedented impudence for Senate rules and courtesy, Leahy reneged
on his multiple promises. Judge Shedd didnt get a vote. He
was apparently "out of the mainstream." The radical special
interests that pull the Leahy puppet strings told us so. And, when
the Chairman heard that Judge Shedds confirmation actually
had a chance of passing in committee, he refused it a vote disrespecting
Senator Thurmond and further mocking the Senates "Advice
and Consent" role in the process.
"The
liberal special interest groups are the ones who call the shots
around here. When they say, 'Jump,' some appear to say, 'How high?',"
said Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT), Ranking Member of the Judiciary
Committee. "It is a sad day for this committee and for the entire
Senate when one of our members does not abide by his word."
The
Senate will adjourn this year leaving 27 seats vacant in the federal
circuit courts, 16 of which are considered judicial emergencies
by the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts. That doesnt
seem to faze Chairman Leahy, who apparently believes the politicalization
of justice is more important than the administration of justice.
We
bid farewell to the Senior Senator from South Carolina, who served
his constituency and his country. Politics aside, he will be missed
by all who respect the chamber in which he has served for so many
years.
The
same can never be said for Leahy, whose chairmanship will forever
be defined by partisanship and deceit.
As
the Wall Street Journal editorial page so bluntly articulated,
Senator Thurmonds "parting words say a lot about Mr.
Leahys brand of low-rent, smash-mouth politics." "I
took you at your word," said Thurmond to Leahy during the committee
meeting. "In my 48 years in the United States Senate, I have
never been treated in such a manner."
Neither
have the nominees considered by the Senate Judiciary Committee.
[Posted
October 11, 2002]
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