Judicial Nominations

25 May 2005

Dear Mr. President:

I ask you, respectfully, to rise above the rhetoric on both sides and from the interest groups in the selection of Judicial nominees. Please carefully consider the agreement set forth by the bipartisan group of 14 and advise at least the Judiciary Committee and home state Senators while selecting a nominee. It is important that this deal work and I request your assistance.

The Republicans who signed this deal did so in good faith, as did the Democrats. I strongly "encourgae" you in the spirit and letter of the Memorandum of Understanding on Judicial Nominees to advise with both Republican and Democrat Senators on potential nominees. If you advise of potentential selections than it takes away an argument that the Democrats use that you do not advise the Senate or that you only consult with the Republicans. The check on Committee Democrats and their ability to claim to their delamaking colleagues that you did not consult with them is held in the hands of GOP Sneators Arlen Specter, Mike DeWine, and Lindsey Graham. They have no reason to say you did not do something that you did. Personally, I am more likely to believe these Senators if they tell us you did consult the committee even if the Democrats say no you did not. The group of 14 has decided that they are going to meet if any such circumstance comes up where the 7 Democrats may be wavering toward a filibuster. These 14 have developed good faith and trust in each other, please give this a chance to work. It could give more victories. If we are able to hold these seven Democrats no filibuster will succeed. The best way to hold these Democrats is to consult with at bear minimum the Judiciary Committee and if so desired home state Senators, although I would wuch prefer that you do both.

Please allow the bipartisan compromise process that the 14 worked so hard to achieve to work. This process will allow other agenda items to pass. I respectfully request your assistance in this. I strongly support this deal and want it to hold. It is good for the Party, Good for the U.S. Senate, and good for the American people.

Thank you.