[optimistically_conservative]

Hatch Plans Changes To Judgeship Policy

Senate Judiciary Chairman Orrin Hatch says he plans to change the "blue slip" tradition, referring to blue-colored approval papers that senators are asked to submit on nominees to fill vacant federal judgeships in their state. For the past few years, both home-state senators had to submit a positive blue slip for a nominee to be even considered by the Judiciary Committee. Under Hatch's plan, a single negative blue slip from a senator won't be enough to stop a Bush nominee. "I'll give great weight to negative blue slips, but you can't have one senator holding up, for instance, circuit nominees," said Hatch, R-Utah.

[getmeouttaPalmBeachCounty_FL]

I am just *loving* life these days!! :) (woo-hooooo!)

[montag813]

"During the Clinton administration, (Hatch) would not allow a nomination to move forward unless he had both blue slips," said Sen. Patrick Leahy of Vermont, the committee's top Democrat. "To do differently during the Bush administration would be inconsistent."

Yep, losing sure sucks, Comrade Leahy, doesn't it.