During Clinton's tenure, Sen. Patrick Leahy (D.-Vt.) supported forcing the Senate to vote on judicial nominations before a long break, like the looming August recess. He even proposed legislation to get it done. Now he's blocking the Senate's duty of advice and consent.This week Senate Democrats were successful in blocking a confirmation vote on three superb Circuit Court nominees – Priscilla Owen, Miguel Estrada, and William Pryor. They most likely would have been successful in blocking a fourth – Carolyn Kuhl to the Ninth Circuit – had the vote on cloture not been vitiated last night. Instead, Ms. Kuhl must...