Free Republic

WASHINGTON (AP) -- In a concession to the Senate's new Democratic majority, four of President Bush's appeals court appointees have asked to have their nominations withdrawn, Republican officials said Tuesday. These officials said that William Haynes, William Myers and Terrence Boyle had all decided to abandon their quest for confirmation. Another nominee, Mike Wallace, let it be known last month that he, too, had asked Bush to withdraw his nomination.

The Senate Judiciary Committee is quietly maneuvering to act on two of President Bush's appellate court nominees this summer, while a third nominee awaiting action on the Senate floor is slowly moving closer to a vote, Republican aides told HUMAN EVENTS today. A GOP aide said the Judiciary Committee is moving toward a vote on William Haynes' confirmation to the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in July. But before the committee brings Haynes up for a vote, Chairman Arlen Specter (R.-Pa.) is likely hold a second hearing, at which time Haynes would be given the opportunity to defend himself...

<p>WASHINGTON - For a state steeped in tradition, President Bush's choice of a nonresident to take a Virginian's seat on the Richmond-based 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals stands out.</p> <p>The White House's mistaken labeling of Haynes as a Virginia resident was followed by a congressional leak, administration backpedaling and a correction. Virginia's senators, both Republicans, were not thrilled by the choice of a nonresident. The nominee has acted quickly to buy a house in Virginia.</p>