Bob Barr: “just as with Robert Bork, Clarence Thomas and most recently John Ashcroft, Washington's blood sport of lies, rumors and…”

“just as with Robert Bork, Clarence Thomas and most recently John Ashcroft, Washington's blood sport of lies, rumors and innuendo is in full throttle. Aided by their liberal friends at The Washington Post, many Democrats have, once again, cast the truth aside and are focused on destroying the name and reputation of a fine American. In their eyes, Solicitor General nominee Ted Olson is guilty of one thing: He is conservative. The fact that he is perhaps the most qualified and well-respected individual ever nominated for this important post becomes irrelevant. His attackers are intent on punishing Ted Olson for his work on the Florida recount case, on destroying the spirit of bipartisanship promoted by President Bush, and on regaining the majority in Congress through fear and intimidation. They must not succeed. Mr. Speaker, the American people deserve to have a Justice Department that they can trust to faithfully execute and uphold the laws of the land. We need men like John Ashcroft and Ted Olson to revitalize and restore the luster to this most important department. Let us call off the attack, calm the waters and allow the nomination of this fine American citizen to proceed without delay.”