Free Congress Foundation's Notable News Now Excerpts from FCF Programming and Other FCF Projects May 24, 2001 The Free Congress Commentary When It Comes to Nominations, Dems Get Their Way by John Nowacki If Senator Jeffords of Vermont does abandon the Republican Party today, it won't shift control over the confirmation of President Bush's nominees to the Democrats. It will merely formalize the situation that is already in place. Democrats have easily managed to keep confirmations to an absolute minimum under the current 50-50 arrangement in the Senate. They prevented the Judiciary Committee from voting on the nominees for Solicitor General and Assistant Attorney General in one week by having them held over, and the following week, when that option was not available, they merely got up and walked out of the committee meeting--which destroyed the quorum and again prevented a vote. They've continued to make a ruckus about the nominee for Solicitor General, Ted Olson, so much that Republican Senator Orrin Hatch agreed to allow a limited inquiry into parts of Olson's career after reiterating that he would do no such thing. And yesterday morning, they scuttled the first hearing on President Bush's judicial nominations by complaining that they hadn't had enough time (two full weeks) to look at their records. Senate Democrats have made no secret of their new criteria for judicial nominees: ideological litmus tests. They said it plainly after John Ashcroft was confirmed as Attorney General, and they're continuing to make that clear every time the subject comes up. They have also made no secret of their willingness to use every trick in the book to accomplish their agenda. They know no one will call them on it. Whether it involves a committee walkout, the hint of a filibuster, or tagging someone as an "extremist," the Senate Democrats have shown that they will do whatever it takes to block, or stall, nominations. It does not matter that they are in the "minority." Through their obstructionist tactics, they call the important shots, no matter who is supposed to be chairing the Judiciary Committee. At that committee meeting several weeks ago, just before the Democrats walked out, an irritated Senator Hatch asked whether they wanted him to be a chairman or a puppet. Though they'll obviously jump at the prospect of a chairmanship if Jeffords turns his coat, it doesn't seem to matter as far as the Democrats' goals are concerned. One way or the other, they seem to be having it all their way. John Nowacki is deputy director of the Free Congress Foundation's Center for Law and Democracy. For media inquiries, contact Notra Trulock 202.546.3000 / [EMAIL PROTECTED] For other questions or comments, contact Angie Wheeler [EMAIL PROTECTED] Attention FCF Fans! We are happy to make available to you the 2001 FCF coffee mug! The mug is cobalt blue with white FCF eagle logo. Great gift for your biggest FCF fan (or yourself!) It's a nice way to enjoy your morning beverage while reading Notable News Now! Just $4.00 plus shipping and handling. To order, contact Michelle Boswell at [EMAIL PROTECTED] or order on-line at www.freecongress.org. Visit Our Website at http://www.FreeCongress.org This publication is a service of the Free Congress Research and Education Foundation, Inc. (FCF) and does not necessarily reflect the views of the Free Congress Foundation nor is it an attempt to aid or hinder the passage of any bill. Free Congress Foundation * 717 Second Street, NE * Washington, DC 20002 * 202.546.3000 * Fax: 202.544.2819 Project Manager: Angela Wheeler * Copyright * 2001 Free Congress Foundation - All Rights Reserved.
