For a first-hand account of the partisan politics and stalling that go on in the judicial appointment confirmation process, read JUDGE NOT by Mike Shattman in the DFW Telegram.

Bottom Line: Both sides stall, but at least the democrats give the Republican choices a hearing and vote. Shattman, a Clinton nominee, got neither.

"I want to congratulate Priscilla Owen for getting a hearing and a vote in the Senate Judiciary Committee, and Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., for restoring the constitutional process that is the advice-and-consent role of the Senate."

"Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, abandoned that historical process. Under Hatch's regime, not one of even President Bush's 27 judicial nominees got so much as a hearing."

"It was not until the Democrats regained control of the Senate last summer and Leahy assumed the chair that hearings and confirmations resumed. As of this writing, the Democratic-led Senate Committee had held hearings on 82 Bush nominees, approving 80 of them -- including 16 women. The full Senate had already confirmed 73."

"This is normal -- traditional. It was not that way from 1994 to 2001."

"All we wanted for the nominees is what the Constitution expects: a hearing and a vote. No one is entitled to a favorable outcome." Shattman got none of them. He gave up his state judgeship when he was nominated for the federal post. Now he's a lawyer in private practice.