Byron Dorgan: “I say this, I am a little weary of the campaign that is going on around the country, letters to the editor, and talk…”

“I say this, I am a little weary of the campaign that is going on around the country, letters to the editor, and talk shows, and all the rest that forget about two, three, or four key pieces to the puzzle, and the key pieces to the puzzle are this: This President has a right to nominate candidates to Federal judgeships. He has done two in North Dakota, both Republicans, both wonderful people. I supported them strongly. They are both now on the Federal bench. Our country is better because of it. I have voted for other Federal judges whose philosophy I disagree with because I think by and large they were qualified to serve on the Federal bench, and I have voted for all but one of those nominees sent by President Bush. Let me come back to this point. On the very day the Senator from Utah presided over a hearing in the Judiciary Committee, Judge Hovland from North Dakota answered questions that Mr. Estrada did not answer. I do not understand why a committee chairman is not the first one on the floor of the Senate to say we ought not move this until we get all the information we requested. I am not someone who will stand in the way of a final vote on Mr. Estrada because of philosophical or other concerns. I will not do that. But as long as I am in the Senate with Republican or Democratic candidates for the Federal bench, I will demand they answer the questions put to them. In this case, Mr. Estrada has not done that. One last time I will yield on your time.”