Federal Judiciary

McCain and Bush on Judges

By AndrewHyman

In a speech today to CPAC, Mitt Romney graciously bowed out of the presidential race, so as not to undermine the campaign of John McCain against whoever will be the Democratic nominee (Reagan kind of undermined the Ford candidacy in 1976 against Carter, and Romney said the stakes are now too high for such a move). Following is an excerpt from John McCain's subsequent speech today to CPAC:

I believe today, as I believed twenty-five years ago, in small government; fiscal discipline; low taxes; a strong defense, judges who enforce, and not make, our laws; the social values that are the true source of our strength; and, generally, the steadfast defense of our rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, which I have defended my entire career as God-given to the born and unborn. Senator Clinton and Senator Obama ?will appoint to the federal bench judges who are intent on achieving political changes that the American people cannot be convinced to accept through the election of their representatives. I intend to nominate judges who have proven themselves worthy of our trust that they take as their sole responsibility the enforcement of laws made by the people's elected representatives, judges of the character and quality of Justices Roberts and Alito, judges who can be relied upon to respect the values of the people whose rights, laws and property they are sworn to defend.

And, here's an excerpt from President Bush's remarks today at a White House reception for nominees:

Many of my nominees would fill urgent vacancies on courts that are understaffed and overworked. I've sent the Senate three nominees to relieve such a situation on the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals. Bob Conrad and Steve Matthews and Rod Rosenstein are with us today. These are my nominees. They are accomplished members of the legal community. They will be outstanding members of this court. Yet the Senate has not acted on their nominations. This delay is irresponsible. It undermines the cause of justice. And the United States Senate needs to bring every one of my judicial nominations to the floor for an up or down vote.

When men and women agree to serve in public office, we should treat them with respect and dignity. When the Senate fails to do this, it leaves important positions in our government vacant for months at a time, and it makes it harder for future Presidents to able to attract good people to serve the United States of America.

Hat Tip: Cubsfan.

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Full post as published by ConfirmThem on February 07, 2008 (boomark / email).