Political Quotes

“before the Senate this moment is the nomination of Mr. Holmes to be a judge in the Federal court system. I see the Senator from Oklahoma is here. I am sure he will speak to this nomination. I am not going to address the nomination but put a statement in the Record relative to my vote, which will be in opposition to Mr. Holmes. I have reviewed his record, as many members of the Senate Judiciary Committee have, and there are many positive things to be said, as the Senator from Oklahoma has mentioned in our committee deliberations. I am concerned, though, about some of the statements that have been made by Mr. Holmes in relation to his nomination on the issue of affirmative action. I am concerned about whether he will truly come to this important lifetime appointment with the type of objectivity and open mind that we hope for when we give people this opportunity to serve their Nation. I am also concerned that the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights yesterday made it clear that they oppose his nomination. It is an important factor, in my judgment, in my decision, and I am sorry that I will not be able to support this nomination as a result of that. I also want to make it clear that the job of a Federal judge is a very important one. It relates to issues that affect us every single day.…”