Arlen Specter: “I am glad to hear that because I couldn't hear the clerk report it. Mr. President, I am pleased to report that the…”

“I am glad to hear that because I couldn't hear the clerk report it. Mr. President, I am pleased to report that the Senate Judiciary Committee has recommended to the full Senate on reports filed that Robert J. Conrad, Jr., should become U.S. district court judge for the Western District of North Carolina. Mr. Conrad comes to this position with a very distinguished record. He is a former U.S. attorney for North Carolina. As assistant U.S. attorney, he made a name for himself in the prosecution of terrorism financing cases and campaign finance. Attorney General Ashcroft named Mr. Conrad to the Advisory Committee on Terrorism Financing, and Mr. Conrad testified before the Judiciary Committee on that subject. He was instrumental in prosecuting supporters of the Hezbollah terrorist cell in North Carolina in a very highly celebrated case. Prior to his appointment as U.S. attorney, he served as an assistant U.S. attorney for 12 years. I can tell you, with some experience in that kind of position, you really learn a lot as assistant prosecuting attorney. Sometimes I am asked what is the best job I ever had, Senator or district attorney, and I say assistant district attorney. That is where there is a great deal of experience. He has had bipartisan support from Democrats. The North Carolina attorney general, Roy Cooper, and former Attorney General Janet Reno praised him very highly. I would now like to make a comment about the other nominee, James C.…”