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Where Do Conservative Democrats Stand On Sotomayor?
Let's begin this post with the caveat that Sonia Sotomayor is overwhelmingly likely to be confirmed as the Supreme Court's next Associate Justice.
That said, it'll still be fun--and possibly educational--to watch those few conservative Democrats (particularly Democrats from states with small Hispanic populations) who often tack right for electoral reasons, or who seem, from time to time, to take great joy in their own obstinance.
Here's what they've said so far, in official statements:
- Sen. Mark Begich (D-AK): Nothing.
- Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT): Nothing.
- Sen. Max Baucus (D-MT): Nothing.
- Sen. Evan Bayh (D-IN): Nothing.
- Sen. Blanch Lincoln (D-AR): Amid a mostly positive statement, "I believe the people of Arkansas and our nation deserve a Supreme Court Justice who is able to interpret and apply the law fairly without political favor or bias."
- Sen. Mark Pryor (D-AR): Judge Sonia Sotomayor has impeccable credentials and an extraordinary American story. It is also critically important that she possess the proper judicial temperament and the ability to be fair and impartial. I believe this criterion is essential; activist judges have no place on the highest court of the land. That's why I plan to carefully review Judge Sotomayor's judicial record and philosophy as the Senate confirmation process advances."
- Sen. Kent Conrad (D-ND): After praising her credentials and her intellect, Conrad added, for unclear reasons, "We need justices who will impartially interpret the law and the Constitution and have a record of sound judgment."
- Sen. Ben Nelson (D-NE): Nelson--who's been a bit...curmudgeonly about another Obama nominee, says he seeks judicial nominees who, "follow the law, rather than manipulate the law to promote an activist agenda." He says, "My main test has always been and remains: Will the nominee follow the law and not make law to fit his or her views?"
Of the senators on this list, only Baucus and Conrad were around to vote on Sotomayor last time she was a judicial nominee--and both supported her. We'll pay attention as their views evolve.
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Josh
Matt
Eric
Ben Nelson is a useless corporate whore.
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May 28, 2009 8:45 PM | Reply | Permalink
I trust/hope that Sen. Conrad will give Judge Sotomayor the same consideration that he gave to Samuel Alito. Following is Conrad's press release, which for some reason is no longer on Conrad's own Senate website.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x2432638
Conrad to Vote in Favor of Alito:
1/30/06
Washington -- Senator Kent Conrad announced today that he will cast his vote to confirm Judge Samuel Alito to the Supreme Court and issued the following statement.
"I reached this decision after careful consideration. I have reviewed Judge Alito's record and background and have had two extended meetings with him. I have reached this conclusion for the following reasons:
"First, the American Bar Association has given Judge Alito its highest rating on a unanimous vote.
"Second, he has served for the past 15 years on the second highest court in the land, the Third Circuit Court of Appeals, and he was unanimously confirmed for that position.
"Third, it is clear that both the majority of my constituents and the majority of the American people are in favor of Judge Alito's confirmation.
"Fourth, Judge Alito has testified, under oath, that he brings no ideological agenda to the Court.
"Fifth, Judge Alito looked me in the eye and told me that he will not conduct himself based on an ideological agenda. He promised me that he would judge each case based on its merits and protect and defend the liberties set out in the Constitution.
"And finally, Judge Alito has assured me that the President is bound by the statutes passed by Congress and that he supports the system of checks and balances enshrined in the Constitution."
Senator Conrad also said he will not support a filibuster of the Supreme Court nominee. A final vote on the confirmation of Judge Alito to the Supreme Court has been scheduled for Tuesday morning.
Senator Conrad has supported 217 of President Bush's judicial nominations, including Chief Justice of the United States John Roberts.
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It seems to me that Alito pulled the willing wool over Conrad's eyes with respect to points 4, 5, and 6. Since by his own account, as of January 2006, Conrad had supported 217 of Bush's judicial nominations, I hope/trust that Conrad will do what he can to push forward the nominations of a Democratic president.
By the way, we need a Senate Majority Leader who does not suffer from Stockholm syndrome.
May 28, 2009 8:59 PM | Reply | Permalink
Fifth, Judge Alito looked me in the eye and told me that he will not conduct himself based on an ideological agenda. He promised me that he would judge each case based on its merits and protect and defend the liberties set out in the Constitution.
He also promised me he would pull out before he came, and that he would only hit me when I deserved to be hit, and that I was the only woman he would ever love. And I believe him, because he promised me.
May 29, 2009 2:07 AM | Reply | Permalink