by TChris

Further proof that the Bush administration cares only about ideology when selecting candidates to serve on the federal judiciary: Thomas B. Griffith, nominated to serve on the federal court of appeals, has been practicing law without a license for the last four years.

This is the second time in Griffith's career that he's practiced without a license. He blamed his law firm's staff for the first snafu ("when in doubt, blame the secretary"), but that doesn't explain his willingness to practice without a license after moving to Utah. Griffith could have overcome the problem by passing the Utah bar exam. He signed up for it but didn't take it.

The administration apparently doesn't check on basic qualifications for the job, beyond ideology, before nominating candidates to the federal bench. The administration no doubt wanted to reward Griffith for serving as lead counsel for the Senate in President Clinton's impeachment trial.

If Griffith couldn't be bothered to clear up his licensing mess, he isn't fit for a lifetime tenure on the federal court. The Senate should decline to confirm him if he doesn't withdraw his name in light of this embarrassing disclosure.