Arlen Specter: “I am responding to your letter of April 10, 2008, regarding several pending judicial nominations. As a former…”

“I am responding to your letter of April 10, 2008, regarding several pending judicial nominations. As a former constitutional law instructor, I fully appreciate the important work that our Federal judges do and the need to fill judicial vacancies. However, I have great respect for the Senate's constitutional advice and consent role in the confirmation of these judges. The concerns you have raised in your letter are important ones. However, since I am not a member of the Judiciary Committee, I would defer to Chairman Leahy on the scheduling of any committee votes on these pending nominations, and I would defer to Senator Reid on the scheduling of any floor votes. Moreover, I am confident that we can work in a bipartisan fashion to continue to fill vacancies. Just last week, the Senate confirmed five judicial nominations. And today, Chairman Leahy has announced a resolution reached with the Administration over Sixth Circuit nominations.”