Arlen Specter: “A good number of these nominees are also in districts where there are judicial emergencies. I think that from time to…”

“A good number of these nominees are also in districts where there are judicial emergencies. I think that from time to time we in the Senate, where we have the responsibility for confirmation, don't really take seriously enough the impact of judicial vacancies. The courts are busy. The Third Circuit, my circuit, is overwhelmed. District Court Judge Jordan ought to be confirmed. My colleagues have told me about the problems posed by vacancies in their states. If these other 13 districts nominees are not confirmed today, they will languish until who knows--January turns into February and February in March. We always find a reason around here not to do something. That applies most emphatically to the judges. It is my hope that in the 110th Congress, we will approach judicial confirmations a little differently. I have already consulted with Senator Leahy, who will become chairman of the committee. Senator Leahy and I have had an excellent working relationship on a bipartisan basis, and the record shows it. I don't have to go into detail about that. I have recommended to the White House that the it consult with Senator Leahy and the Democrats, as well as with Arlen Specter, as ranking member, and the Republicans. There is a limited amount of time. We know what happens in a Presidential election year. Let us make a determination about which judges can be confirmed-- judges who meet the standards and criteria of President Bush but who also pass muster in the U.S.…”