Wayne Allard: “it is ironic that one of the arguments against Miguel Estrada, the President's nominee for the D.C. Circuit Court…”

“it is ironic that one of the arguments against Miguel Estrada, the President's nominee for the D.C. Circuit Court, center around prior judicial experience. This argument is nothing but hollow political rhetoric aimed at obstructing the Senate's constitutional duty to confirm judges. It is also a double standard of the highest order. To illustrate this point, I bring a Colorado legend to the attention of my colleagues. Byron ``Whizzer'' White may have passed away almost a year ago, but the Centennial State will forever feel his commanding presence. Mr. White was born in Fort Collins, CO, not far from where I live and where my family lives, and was raised in nearby Wellington. He went on to become his high school's valedictorian, All-American football star, college valedictorian, Rhodes scholar, professional football player, and a decorated World War II soldier. Noting his many significant achievements, President John F.Kennedy nominated him to the Supreme Court in 1962, saying, Byron White ``excelled at everything he has ever attempted.'' White, at only 44 years of age, ascended to the bench of our Nation's highest court and went on to serve for three decades. Why is this significant? It is significant because had President Kennedy adhered to such a rigid litmus test, Byron White would never have been seated on the bench of the United States Supreme Court.”