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On February 24, 1997, then-Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch-a Federalist Society member whose son, Brent, is now the Society's treasurer110 -announced in a letter that he would "no longer consider the ABA as enjoying an official Senate role in the confirmation process" for federal judges. (The ABA continued to work with the White House in its pre-nomination review of nominees until the 2001 action by President Bush, however.)111 Several days before sending his letter, Hatch gave a speech to one of the Society's law school chapters. A copy of the text of Hatch's speech, which attacked the ABA's "political" nature, specifically cited the Society's ABA Watch publication as a source.112 Moreover, one of the key people to testify at 1996 Senate hearings that questioned the ABA's role was Edwin Meese, the Society leader who served as President Reagan's attorney general.113
Long after Hatch's 1997 announcement, the Federalist Society stayed on the attack, constantly raising concerns about the ABA-frequently voicing allegations ("Critics have charged that the ABA's recent…") as if the Society were simply a neutral observer.114 In January 2000, the Society began its ABA "voter guide" project, reporting on the issue positions of candidates for ABA's top offices.115 The unceasing attacks and pressure that Society and other right-wing groups used to sully the ABA's image were instrumental in encouraging and providing "cover" for President Bush's decision to end the ABA's pre-nomination review. In fact, the recommendation to eliminate the ABA role came directly from the White House counsel's office, which is heavily staffed by Federalist Society members.
Thanks; so far today, I've sent almost everything you've posted.......LOL.