Federal Court Judge Confirmed by Senate

We are pleased the Senate voted to confirm the nomination of Judge Leslie Southwick for a seat on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.  At the same time, we are troubled that this nomination only highlighted the fact that the confirmation process for judicial nominees is badly damaged.

Were pleased that a majority in the Senate put politics aside and voted to confirm Judge Southwick; however, its disturbing 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.  While were pleased that Judge Southwick has been confirmed, were deeply troubled that the confirmation process for judicial nominees has been badly damaged by obstructionists who chose to play political games instead of choosing to carry out their constitutional responsibilities in a timely manner. 

What is so compelling about Judge Southwick is his life story.  Judge Southwick served 11 years on the Mississippi Court of Appeals.  Not only is he a well-respected judge, having received a unanimous "Well Qualified" rating from the American Bar Association (the gold standard for nominees), but he voluntarily took a military leave of absence from the Court of Appeals to serve in Iraq as a member of the Mississippi National Guards 155th Brigade Combat.  While on active duty, he served as Deputy Staff Judge Advocate from August 2004 to July 2005 and then as Staff Judge Advocate from July 2005 to January 2006. 

Since groups on the Left fought Southwick's nomination, they were surprised when Senator Diane Feinstein--usually a strong ally of the Left--voted for Judge Southwick in committee back on August 2nd, giving his nomination enough votes to send it to the Senate floor.  When asked to explain her vote, Feinstein cited Southwick's ABA rating and his service in Iraq.

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.  We will continue 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.