According to the Republican National Committee (RNC), today marks the fourth year since President Bush first nominated Priscilla Owen to serve as a federal judge on the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. This position was considered a “judicial emergency” and needed to be filled ASAP. Four years later, this seat remains empty because the Democrats threaten to filibuster her appointment. And, she is not alone in her plight. Other Bush nominees have been waiting months and years for an “Up or Down” vote. As these partisan battles rage in the Senate, the citizens of our fine country suffer with a docket backlog.
I have said it before and will say it again. The Framers of our constitution understood and encouraged the political and philosophical differences of judges. This is exactly why federal judges are appointed for life and cannot be removed, except by impeachment. Such a policy allows for a cross-section of representation over various presidential administrations with varying political platforms. Since turnover is low and intermittent, change manifests itself at a slower rate in the judiciary then in the political arena (which, in the new era of legislation from the bench, can be a bad thing). How better to represent the diverse view of our country?
The major criticism of Judge Ownes centers around her stand on abortion. Believe it or not, a large segment of our population opposes abortion. Why shouldn’t we be represented in the judicial appointments? Who died and left the pro-abortion advocates in charge our future litigation? It seems a large majority of the population agrees — regardless of their stand on abortion.
RNC Chairman Ken Mehlman today will present new poll findings that reveal the overwhelming majority of Americans believe President Bush’s judicial nominees at least deserve an up-or-down vote. Mehlman will review a memo detailing the poll’s findings at the Senate GOP lunch today, as reported by Roll Call. The poll’s findings are “81 percent of those tested agree with the idea that ‘even if they disagree with a judge, Senate Democrats should at least allow the President’s nominations to be voted on.'” Based on these poll results, “The most potent argument for Republicans … is that the party’s parliamentary move is aimed at ensuring up-or-down votes on judicial nominees put forward by President Bush.” April 26, 2005 GOP.com
If you would like to help end this impasse, the GOP has established a petition to share your desire with the Democratic leadership. The petition does not require you to enter information about your political affiliation.
Link over to the secure site here.