Graham's Controversey

25 May 2005

Mr. Dawson:

I would like to register my opinion on the controversey surrounding Senator Graham. Although, I am not a resident of South Carolina, I would like to offer a positive comment about Sen. Graham as I have seen many of the negatives since the compromise.

I undserstand the antipathy of some Republicans because I suspect we have some in Illinois that are ticked at the 7 who took part in this deal. I take a different view. I beleive it is good that he displayed independence. Some of the words I have seen in print like betrayal and treason are a little over the top. While I respect the opinion of others, especially those with whom I disagree, I beleive Sen. Graham did what was best for the country when he elected to compromise. Let's not forget he was a "Yes" vote. I beleive putting off the vote was the wise thing to do.

Justices Owen and Brown as well as Judge Pryor will get an up or down vote. So will the others becasue I beleive that the trust the Sen. Graham places in his colleagues that forged this deal is correctly placed. Though not defined "extraordinary circumstances" can in no way apply to judicial philosophy because the three nominees mentioned above are three of the most conservtive jurists nominated. I have heard that the only circumstance under which one of the seven Democrats can join a filibuster is in the case of "personal or ethical problems" on the part of the nominee. I think that this is a fairly narrow, but proper interpretation. Also, if the 7 Dems decide to filibuster without the group meeting to discuss it Sen. Graham has retained his right to be that "yes" vote on the rules change.

He just felt now wasn't the time. Overall, I think he was right. I do believe that the process matters as much as the vote. The compromise, as I said gives them an up or down vote. And today, Sen Graham voted to confirm Justice Owen and plans to take the floor to speak when Judge Pryor's nomination is debated, so do not let anyone tell you that he does not support President Bush's judicial nominees because it is not true.

The bipartisan compromise was the best process for getting to the votes we so desire because it also allows for other business to get done. For example, they moved from the vote on Justice Owen to the contentious debate about the nomination of John Bolton to be U.N. Ambassador. This movement is a good thing becasue we will see many priorities make it to the floor for consdieration. If the vote on the Constitutional Option had occured the Senate would have been at a stand still and nothing would have gotten done.

I hope in time my fellow Republicans in South Carolina will feel the same way.

Thank you very much.