Arlen Specter: “That is a very short statement of the qualifications of Judge Southwick. I believe if Judge Southwick were under…”

“That is a very short statement of the qualifications of Judge Southwick. I believe if Judge Southwick were under consideration for any circuit court of appeals except for the Fifth Circuit--which has had a history of difficulties in obtaining confirmation and has had an overtone of concern about civil rights--if he were up for any other circuit, there would be no hesitancy. This man ought to be judged on the basis of his own record and his own qualifications. But he has demonstrated fairness and an appreciation for the rule of law and for equality regardless of race, color, creed and regardless of standing and has been willing to stand up for plaintiffs in tort cases and defendants in criminal cases and, as stated earlier, women and those of a different choice of sexual orientation, so that on the record he is deserving of confirmation. It is my hope he will be judged as an individual. That is the American way. By that standard, he certainly would be confirmed.”