Posted on 04/07/2011 8:03:26 PM PDT by jazusamo
The SenateJudiciary Committee approved a controversial appeals court nomination Thursday, setting up the first big battle in this Congress over an Obama judicial nomination.
The panel’s party line 10-8 vote in favor of University of California at Berkeley law professor Goodwin Liu portends a tough partisan struggle in the full Senate, where Republicans are in position to successfully filibuster his pending confirmation — a move that would hand President Obama a high-profile judicial defeat.
“While I have pledged — and indeed demonstrated — cooperation in moving forward on consensus nominations, there is no doubt that Mr. Liu does not fall into that category,” said Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa, the committee’s senior Republican.
Conservatives say Mr. Liu is far too liberal — he’s a past chairman of the progressive American Constitution Society and a former board member of the American Civil Liberties Union of Northern California. They also complain he lacks judicial experience.
Supporters counter the professor, a former Rhodes scholar, is a more-than-qualified candidate and has been unfairly demonized by the political right.
“In Professor Liu’s case, I believe the views expressed in his writings fall far outside the mainstream of the traditional American view of law and judging, going so far as to distort the meaning of plain words beyond reality,” said Sen. Jeff Sessions, Alabama Republican and member of the SenateJudiciary Committee.
SenateJudiciary Committee Chairman Patrick J. Leahy, Vermont Democrat, accused Republicans of playing politics with the nomination, saying they opposed Mr. Liu even before hearing him testify before the panel.
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtontimes.com ...
He’ll fit right in with the other liberal inexperienced appointments.
Yes he would but if the Republicans can’t stick together on filibustering this turkey I fear all is lost.
If, from studying a nominee's body of work, you were well aware he was grossly unqualified, wouldn't you oppose him "before hearing him testify"?
With regard to Leahy, Cheney was right.
I would definitely filibuster Liu. Not only is he wholly unqualified and the most left-wing appointee I’ve EVER seen, he’s only 39 and could well serve for 50 years.
Yes, Cheney was absolutely right.
Not to worry....Orrin will no doubt come to the leftists’ rescue!
Limpwrist Graham, more likely.
It will never happen, Gramnesty, McPain, etc. will cave and give in to the Dems.
That guy needs to be Borked bigtime.
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