Posted on 11/13/2006 4:26:15 PM PST by wagglebee
Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) -- Now that the elections have given them control of the Senate, leading Democrats on judicial issues have a message for President Bush. They don't want him to send up for confirmation any judges who would be hostile to legalized abortion or they plan vote down or filibuster them.
Democrats now have 51 votes in the Senate and will likely have a slim one vote majority on the Senate Judiciary Committee when Congress starts its new session in January.
Though they technically have enough votes on the panel and in the Senate to defeat any Bush judicial pick, they may still have a tough time keeping their caucus together as some moderate Democrats joined a group of Republicans in making sure filibusters weren't used to hold up nominees.
But leading pro-abortion Democrats tell Bush he needs to pick someone without a record opposed to abortion in order to get judges -- especially for the Supreme Court -- confirmed in their Senate.
Sen. Patrick Leahy, a Vermont Democrat, told Newsday that Bush should nominate only "consensus" nominees.
Sen. Charles Schumer, of New York, was more strident and vowed to block any nominee he feels is too extreme on abortion.
"We will do everything in our power to see that that happens," he told Newsday, saying filibusters should be expected. He added that Bush "will have to negotiate with us, because we'll have the majority."
There are no current Supreme Court openings, but pro-abortion Justice John Paul Stevens, who was the subject of retirement speculations shortly before the elections, is 86 years-old and battling significant health problems.
Ruth Bader Ginsberg, another abortion advocate is 73 years-old and has her own health concerns.
Had the GOP kept control of the Senate, the liberal judges may have waited to retire, but they could step down feeling that the chances they would be replaced by a less conservative judge are higher with Democrats heading up the chamber.
How Bush reacts to Democratic control may be seen in whether he chooses to re-nominate six conservative appeals court judges who have yet to be confirmed.
Should a Supreme Court opening develop closer to the 2008 presidential elections, that may put more pressure on Senate Democrats to hold off on confirming a replacement until afterwards.
Pro-Life Ping
Gee, what a shock. Hope the Catholics who turned to the rat party of death are pleased.
The Gang of 14 really screwed us.
Yeah, well thank John McCain. Thanks a heap.
Why so? The Dems now have a majority. It's more likely the GOP who will be filibustering.
The only possible strategy of the pro-lifers at this point is to harp on the most egredious abuses of abortion, and hopefully win back the high ground in this battle. Constantly remind folks that the Dems are in favor of partial birth abortions. Constantly point out the many failings of the judiciary.
Bah. You power is illusory, abortion pushers. The prolife wave will sweep your party clean of that foul position.
Babies must be sacrificed on the altar of liberalism, it is after all one of their sacraments.
Can't we still do it? I mean, those just elected aren't at the job yet.
Thanks to Frist, who is now GONE...and just why were the gutless Republicans afaid of the nuclear option? Did they think it may cost them the marjority? Not called the stupid party for no reason.
What is it that the GOP will be able to filibuster? Are you saying that the Republicans should filibuster Bush's nominees?
"Go forth and multiply."
Second - he should say, "Well, Senator Tester, Senator Casey, Senator Webb - your constituents voted for you because you weren't going to sign up for liberal baby killing nonsense. You can either obey your party and be exposed as having lied to the people who voted for you, or you can stick to the supposed principles you espouse and vote for my judges. Capiche?"
Regards, Ivan
What is more hostile than piercing the back of a baby's neck and sucking out it's brains?
We still have time before the abort-a-babies take over.
But what about those pro-life Dems that were just elected? (end/sarcasm)
Yeah that was my thought. Also, those conservatives who wanted to send the GOP a message.
Most GOP politicians are afraid of their own shadow.
Isn't there a law that allows the president to appoint the judges he wants when the Congress and Senate are on recess? He doesn't need their approval?
No. But I am saying that they are more likely to filibuster Bush's nominees than the Dems are. They Dems will just vote them down. They are in control.
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