Democrats demand legal papers - (Orrin Hatch: "This time they won't get away with it!")

WASHINGTON TIMES.COM ^ | JULY 22, 2005 | CHARLES HURT

[CHARLITE]

Democrats said yesterday they will demand that the Bush administration hand over internal legal memorandums written by Supreme Court nominee John G. Roberts Jr. while he was a government lawyer -- something the White House has refused to do in the past.

Sen. Charles E. Schumer, New York Democrat, said he broached the topic during a meeting yesterday with Judge Roberts, who replied that any decision about his writings as deputy solicitor general would be made by the White House.

Republicans on Capitol Hill said the request is not likely to be granted.

Demands for those same documents -- deemed legally privileged by this and previous administrations -- led to the rejection of Miguel Estrada, an earlier Bush nominee to a lower court.

Democrats have used this tactic to stall the nomination of John R. Bolton, Mr. Bush's nominee for ambassador to the United Nations.

Some Republicans said yesterday that the demands may be early signs of a stealth campaign by Democrats to kill the Supreme Court nomination by demanding documents they know they won't get -- a strategy one Republican termed "Estradification."

"This tactic was first fielded against Miguel Estrada, recently perfected with the nomination of John Bolton, and now some are fully primed to Estradify this fine nominee," said Sen. John Cornyn, Texas Republican and member of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Sen. Orrin G. Hatch, Utah Republican and former chairman of the Judiciary Committee, said yesterday he doesn't think "Democrats are going to get away with that this time."

[FFIGHTER]

Tell the Dems to pound sand.

[lafroste]

I appreciate Senator Hatch's sentiments, but does he intend to stand up to their bullying this time? Nothing stops a bully faster than a well placed sock in the jaw. Learn it.

[drc43]

How, besides a filibuster, can the minority stall this nomination?

Cannot the majority end this nonsense?

Will they?

[funkywbr]

He doesn't think?

Well that's heartening.

[EagleUSA]

Tell the Dems to pound sand.
------
Someone should take Schumer in a back alley, and teach him some American patriotism...obstructionist b@stard!!!

[Lunkhead_01]

The DemonRATS want Judge Roberts' legal papers but don't want to allow the police to ask for "legal papers" from illegal aliens?

[cynicom]

Booby Hatch talks the talk but has never managed the walk. Total fraud.

[Michael.SF.]

Sen. Orrin G. Hatch, --"Democrats are going to get away with that this time."

When did you grow a set Orrin?

It has worked in the past, so why would we be surprised that they would not try it again?

[BenLurkin]

Can't imagine anyone opposing this milk toast 'conservative' nomination . .. except die hard America haters.

[sirchtruth]

It's very simple. The Repubs have the votes and there is no question they can get FIVE responsible dem votes.

The one Repub that tries to "86" Roberts or thwarts his nomination I WILL make sure politically goes down in flames the next election!!!!

Do you get that Collins, Chafee, Snowe, Dewine, Specter, Mcpainintheass?

[golfboy]

I guess we'll find out if the democratic side of "gang of 14" will stand by their word.

[Jazzman1]

MEMO TO NITWIT LIBERALS: You cant demand sh*t, you're the MINORITY A**WIPES! lol

[Red Badger]

Their playbook never changes. Demand papers that they know beforehand will not be given and are not entitled to and then stand before the cameras in self-riteous indignation and claimm the administration is hiding something. Thier minions don't know any better so they will get away with it..........

[theDentist]

They'll gripe and hem and haw and finally Frist will hand them over. Gutless wonder.

[DarthVader]

"Someone should take Schumer in a back alley, and teach him some American patriotism."

I'd love to do it. I'm a 6'1" 288 lb rugby player but Chucky has said and done so much to hurt this country I might get carried away. And then Chucky will not be around or conscious enough to appreciate the lesson that was taught to him.....with extreme prejudice.

[siunevada]

Lawyer-client privelege only applies to accused criminals???

I don't think so. And any media person that supports that position needs to explain why they think the Senate gets an exemption.

[jbwbubba]

The figure is Specter, will he allow the Dems to delay the hearings or will he call for a vote and put the vote to the whole senate.

[Redcoat LI]

Hatch can paste this to a speed bag for practice.

[MarcusTulliusCicero]

I'd bet right now there are 14 patriots meeting and working out a compromise to avoid this threat to the Republic. Maybe they can release every other word? Or maybe release 3 words, skip 2 words, except under extraordinary circumstances, when they can release a whole clause.