On the recordDecember 21, 2010
I rise to support the nomination of Bill Martinez. Senator Leahy made the case for his nomination and for him to be confirmed. I have great affection for my friend from Alabama, but I want to set the record clear that Bill Martinez did not work for the ACLU, he advised the ACLU. If we are going to raise that standard and change the rules, then we ought to remember that the Bush nominations often included Federalist Society members and contributors. We ought to be careful about setting false standards. Bill Martinez was recommended by a bipartisan nominating commission that Senator Bennet and I created. He is a good man. His story is a quintessential American story. He will be an excellent judge. I urge us all to vote for his confirmation today.
