Third Way: Bipartisanship, Courage, and Compromise

1 June 2005

The actions of 14 Senators are also praised by millions of Americans and the independence of the Senators is appreciated. Balance will be restored to the Courts, but not by upsetting the operation of the Senate, which is what changing the rules now would have done. I do not believe that anyone’s hopes were dashed by this compromise; it allows the judges a vote. This is was what I thought everyone wanted.

I was happy with your interview on the Sean Hannity show. I feel you answered his question honestly and with candor. I know you are for an up or down vote. You were just seeking another way to get the vote on these qualified nominees. What could be wrong with seeking another way?

I do not feel that you have been had because Mr. McCain is a good man. I have faith that you were not looking past those who elected you. I do not understand the objection to working with Mr. Byrd and Mr. McCain because all of you had the same goal, averting a showdown over the rules change. I am proud that you are so wide awake to the consequences of your actions.

Elections do have meaning, but do not mean that everyone always must vote in lock step. I do not feel that you gave into Democrats because they have to live in good faith as well. I believe they will. Voters have every right to be disappointed, however I do not feel that anybody’s wishes or qualified nominees were thrown under the bus.

There is more to selecting a good judge than ideology or philosophy. They must also display the judicial temperament and have no personal or ethical shortcomings. They also must never have done anything that is questionable in their professional practice. I trust you to be a good judge of the nominees.

I believe that it is wrong to say that Mr. Byrd would have done any less than was done here if the situation were reversed. No one has been conditioned to roll over, least of all you because you have been standing up and taking the fire for your decision to support the compromise. I thank you and truly believe that you shall survive any challenge that comes your way.