Evan Bayh: “this past spring, Senator Lugar and I made a joint recommendation to President Bush to nominate Judge John Tinder for a…”

“this past spring, Senator Lugar and I made a joint recommendation to President Bush to nominate Judge John Tinder for a seat on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, the second highest court in the land. President Bush followed our advice, the Judiciary Committee unanimously approved his nomination, and today I am pleased to announce that the Senate will vote on Judge Tinder's nomination. I take very seriously the Senate's constitutional duty to provide advice and consent for all judicial nominees. The Senate shares a responsibility with the President to ensure that the judiciary is staffed with men and women who possess outstanding legal skills, suitable temperament, and the highest ethical standing. I regret, however, that the process for confirming judicial nominees has become too partisan in recent years and has produced too many controversial nominees. John Tinder is the embodiment of good judicial temperament, intellect and evenhandedness. He has been praised from both sides of the political spectrum for his service in the Southern District of Indiana, and I am confident he will receive those kinds of reviews, as well, on the Seventh Circuit.”