A vote of conscience
"Ultimately my Vermont roots have always told me to go with my conscience," Sen. Patrick Leahy said in announcing his support for John Roberts, the nominee for chief justice.
Roberts won a 13-5 recommendation from the Senate Judiciary Committee today.
Leahy, the panel's ranking Democrat, was joined by Wisconsin senators Russ Feingold and Herb Kohl, also Democrats.
While Leahy's statement indicates he tortured himself to reach his decision, it also shows he couldn't find any substantive cause to vote against Roberts, whom he called a man of integrity.
He gave in to his conscience.
Which, of course, raises questions about the committee's other Democrats: Charles Schumer, Ted Kennedy, Dianne Feinstein, Joe Biden and Dick Durbin. They either aren't as conscientious as Leahy, or they place a higher priority on political ideology.
It surprises me, but I gained some respect for Patrick Leahy today.
Comments (4)
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Doug:
In my view, Leahy has been quite agreeable over the years, sensible and intelligent. Which is why I was appaled at what Cheney said to him on the Senate floor.
As a Republican, I have respected Biden in the past, but is seems he is more prone to posturing lately for a 2008 bid.
I have respected Durbin's stand on CAFE and mileage for fuel efficiency in the past.
Can't say much good about the others you mentioned, I do think Feinstein has some good qualities as a leader.
I have a Helms (twice) Dole, Burr voting record, but always look for ways to respect others in what is the most esteemed political body, probably in all of history.
I wish they would keep that in mind when they start dishing out partisan rhetoric and making a joke of the Senate.
We deserve better.
Jeff.
Posted on September 22, 2005 5:58 PM
Thanks, Jeff. Leahy's earlier comments about Roberts, before the hearings, led me to believe he would oppose the nomination. So I was pleased to see him arrive at a fair decision.
I hope Bush's next nominee will be as well qualified as Roberts.
Posted on September 22, 2005 8:35 PM
Another possible interpretation is that he may be saving his best stuff for the next nominee, understanding that more is at stake replacing O'Connor than replacing Rehnquist. Or he may be somehow protecting himself politically in anticipation of the next set of confirmation hearings. I know, it sounds cynical...
Posted on September 22, 2005 10:35 PM
The next one definitely will be interesting.
Posted on September 23, 2005 8:27 AM