Arlen Specter: “I thank the Chair. I note Senator Byrd is here. Exhibit 1 Washington Post-Accepted Op-Ed Referenced on the Floor Just…”

“I thank the Chair. I note Senator Byrd is here. Exhibit 1 Washington Post-Accepted Op-Ed Referenced on the Floor Just over three weeks ago, President Bush nominated White House Counsel Harriet Miers to fill retiring Justice Sandra Day O'Connor's seat on the Supreme Court. Since then, political pundits and outside groups have loudly expressed their opinions, one way or the other, on the nomination. There has been a great eagerness in some quarters, outside the Senate, to prejudge the nomination. Fortunately, the Constitution does not leave the disposition of Presidential nominations to pundits or outside groups. The question whether to confirm a President's nominee is left to the careful consideration of the Senate, where we have an established process for examining a nominee's fitness for the bench. That process will begin on November 7, when the Judiciary Committee begins its hearings on Ms. Miers. Confirmation hearings offer a nominee the opportunity to introduce herself to the Senate and the American people. The hearings allow Committee members to ask questions of the nominee, to develop a record, and to present an informed recommendation to the full Senate. In order to receive a favorable vote in the Committee, Ms. Miers will have to demonstrate her qualifications to serve on the bench.…”