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SRCC: The Democrats’ Home-State Double-Standard
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July 27th, 2007 - Democrats Are Attempting To Block The 3rd Straight Mississippi Judicial Nominee To The U.S. Court Of Appeals For The 5th Circuit
Republican Leader Mitch McConnell On The Democrats Double-Standard
THE STANDARD:
SEN. PATRICK LEAHY (D-VT) SAYS VIEWS OF HOME-STATE SENATORS WILL BE HONORED TO A GREATER DEGREE: “Now, with Democrats in control, Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy, D-Vermont, has said the views of home-state senators will be honored to a greater degree.” (Scott MacKay, “Chafee’s Choice For Federal Judge Rankles His Onetime Friend,” The Providence Journal, 01/20/07)
SEN. PATRICK LEAHY (D-VT) SAYS HE USUALLY HAS DEFERRED TO HOME STATE SENATORS: “He (Leahy) noted that, in his 30 years as a Judiciary Committee member, he usually has deferred to a nominee's home state senators.” (Mississippi Briefs, Judicial Nominee Vote Delayed Again, The Clarion Ledger, 6/8/07)
THE PRACTICE:
SEN. PATRICK LEAHY (D-VT): “Judge Paez has the strong support of both California Senators … [Marsha Berzon] has the strong support of both California Senators… The Senate should be fair and vote on these nominations.” (Sen. Leahy, Congressional Record, S13544-5, 10/29/99)
SEN. TRENT LOTT (R-MS): “I have given my word that these two nominees should at least have the opportunity for a vote.” (Sen. Lott, Congressional Record, S.1225, 03/07/00)
Republican Senators Joined Democrats In Allowing An Up-Or-Down Vote On The Senate Floor On Paez And Berzon Despite Fierce Opposition.
41 REPUBLICANS VOTED TO PROCEED TO A VOTE ON BERZON: (On The Cloture Motion (RE: Nom. Of Marsha L. Berzon To Be U.S. Circuit Judge), Vote #36, Agree To 86-13: R 41-13; D 45-0, 03/08/00)
40 REPUBLICANS VOTED TO PROCEED TO A VOTE ON PAEZ: (On The Cloture Motion (RE: Nom. Of Richard Paez To Be U.S. Circuit Judge), Vote #37, Agree To 85-14: R 40-14; D 45-0, 03/08/00)
THE DEMS’ DOUBLE-STANDARD:
Dems Refuse To Give Meaningful Deference To The Mississippi Senators
Judge Charles W. Pickering
Supported By Both Home State Senators
SEN. TRENT LOTT (R-MS): “An Excellent Nominee.” “I have known Judge Pickering for many years, and I know he will certainly be an excellent nominee for this important post in our national judicial system … Throughout his distinguished career, Judge Pickering has shown himself to be a man of both professional and personal integrity. He is a fine jurist, who I can proudly recommend to our new Administration.” (Sen. Cochran, “Cochran, Lott Recommend Judge Charles Pickering For U.S. Court Of Appeals,” Press Release, 01/31/2001)
SEN. THAD COCHRAN (R-MS): “Well Qualified.” “The judicial experience and leadership qualities of Judge Charles Pickering make him a well qualified candidate for the Court of Appeals.” (Sen. Cochran, “Cochran, Lott Recommend Judge Charles Pickering For U.S. Court Of Appeals,” Press Release, 01/31/2001)
Democrats Filibustered Judge Pickering’s Nomination. (Cloture Motion On The Nomination Of Charles W. Pickering, Sr., Of Mississippi, To Be United States Circuit Judge For The Fifth Circuit, Roll Call Vote #419, Rejected 54-43: R 54-0; D 0-43, 10/30/03)
Michael B. Wallace
Supported By Both Home State Senators
SEN. THAD COCHRAN (R-MS): “Very Well-Qualified.” “Mike Wallace is very well-qualified for this job. He has had a very successful career as a lawyer in state and federal courts as well as the unique experience of counsel to the Senate during the impeachment trial of former President Bill Clinton.” (Ana Radelat, “Ex-Lott Aide Nominated For Federal Appeals Court,” Gannett News Service, 02/09/06)
SEN. TRENT LOTT (R-MS): “An Invaluable Counsel.” “He was a trusted aide to me when I served as the House Republican whip; he has been an invaluable counsel to me since I have been in the Congress.” (Ana Radelat, “Ex-Lott Aide Nominated For Federal Appeals Court,” Gannett News Service, 02/09/06)
Democrats Blocked Mike Wallace’s Nomination.
Judge Leslie H. Southwick
Supported By Both Home State Senators
SEN. THAD COCHRAN (R-MS): “Extremely Well Qualified.” “Leslie is extremely well qualified for this position, and I hope his nomination will move quickly throughout the Judiciary Committee without any significant delays. … He will be a fair and thoughtful federal judge, and our state will benefit from his leadership and knowledge of the law.” (Sen. Cochran, “Cochran, Lott Announce Nomination Of Judge Leslie Southwick To The 5th Circuit Court Of Appeals,” Press Release, 01/09/07)
SEN. TRENT LOTT (R-MS): “Will Serve The 5th Circuit With Distinction.” “I'm pleased the President nominated a Mississippian, Judge Leslie Southwick, to serve on the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals. … It's very important that our state have a presence on this key federal court. Given his educational qualifications and prior judicial experience, I'm confident that Judge Southwick will serve the 5th Circuit with distinction.” (Sen. Cochran, “Cochran, Lott Announce Nomination Of Judge Leslie Southwick To The 5th Circuit Court Of Appeals,” Press Release, 01/09/07)
Will The Democrats Block The Third Straight Mississippi Judicial Nominee?
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SENATE REPUBLICAN COMMUNICATIONS CENTER
202.228.NEWS
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