Bush Calls for Vote on Two Judicial Nominees
The Washington Post reports that President Bush is now jumping into the filibuster fray. He previously promised to stay out of it. We know he was fibbing because shortly after, VP Dick Cheney said he'd exercise his vote as the presiding officer of the Senate in favor of the nuclear option in case of a tie.
Monday's developments, according to the Post:
Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid extended an "olive branch" of sorts to Republicans by offering to hold a yes or no vote on Thomas Griffith, nominated by Bush for a seat on the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals. Reid said that although Democrats oppose him, they would agree to a vote on him, and he'd in all likelihood be confirmed. It has been widely reported that Griffith practiced law in Utah without a law license.
That wasn't good enough for Bill Frist and the Republicans. They still are insisting on up/down votes for all nominees.
Later on Monday, Bush demanded a vote on two specific judges, Priscilla Owen and Terrance Boyle.
The Washington Post explains why Bush's actions are wrong:
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