Senate Confirmation Process “Badly Damaged” says Nation’s Top Conservative Public Interest Law Firm

ACLJ: Pleased about Southwick Confirmation, Concerned about Obstructionists Playing Politics

WASHINGTON, Oct. 24, 2007—After clearing the Senate Judiciary committee more than two months ago, today the Senate voted to confirm Judge Leslie Southwick for a seat on the U.S.  Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit. According to the American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ), the length of time this nomination took to confirm Judge Southwick highlights how badly damaged the confirmation process is for judicial nominees.

"While we're pleased that Judge Southwick has been confirmed, we're deeply troubled that the confirmation process for judicial nominees has been badly damaged by obstructionists who chose to play political games instead of carrying out their constitutional responsibilities in a timely manner," said Jay Sekulow, Chief Counsel of the ACLJ. 

Sekulow expressed concern that the best interest of the American public doesn't seem to be a priority for Senate leadership.

"We're pleased that a majority in the Senate put politics aside and voted to confirm Judge Southwick," said Sekulow. "It's disturbing, though, that it took so long for the Senate to follow its constitutional mandate: to advise and consent by giving Judge Southwick an up-or-down vote. Judge Southwick will serve the 5th Circuit well. But the way the Senate leadership acted in this matter did not serve the American people well."

Under the direction of Chief Counsel Jay Sekulow, the ACLJ has been working to ensure that judicial nominees receive fair treatment during the confirmation process and are afforded up-or-down votes in the U.S. Senate.

About the ACLJ

The ACLJ specializes in constitutional law and, through its global affiliates, works to protect religious freedom and liberty in more than 36 countries worldwide. The ACLJ is headquartered in Washington, and is online at www.aclj.org. The ACLJ newsroom can be accessed at www.DeMossNewsPond.com/ACLJ.

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