October 24, 2007

LEAA APPLAUDS SENATE FINALLY CONFIRMING JUDGE SOUTHWICK!

BREAKING NEWS FROM FOX NEWS / AP:

WASHINGTON —  The Senate on Wednesday confirmed Judge Leslie Southwick to a seat on the federal appeals court in Mississippi despite complaints by some majority Democrats that his writings were racially insensitive and inappropriate for a region still shadowed by civil rights struggles.

The 59-38 vote on confirmation was sealed after the nomination survived its main obstacle, a test tally moments earlier. Majority Democrats pressured by labor unions and other constituencies did not have the votes to filibuster, or block, Southwick's confirmation.

The Congressional Black Caucus warned that there would be consequences for Democrats at the ballot box.

"We regard this as a test," said District of Columbia Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton.

Supporters of Southwick's nomination said the vote should only have been about his qualifications, not the history of the 5th Circuit, which includes Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas.

"If he was up for any other circuit, there would be no hesitancy," said Pennsylvania Sen. Arlen Specter, the ranking Republican on the Judiciary Committee.

LEAA has a long history of supporting Judges who will not make up new "law" from the bench. LEAA believes that the United States Senate must meet its responsiblity to advise and consent and TIMELY give each federal bench candidate a straight up or down vote.