Thomas Daschle: “I note we are now debating the Owen nomination. This morning we had a debate, as we have had over the last several days…”

“I note we are now debating the Owen nomination. This morning we had a debate, as we have had over the last several days, on the Sutton nomination. There were those who supported Mr. Sutton. Many of us opposed him, we think for good reason. But there ought to be a recognition that, as we consider all of those nominees who come before the Judiciary Committee, there are those, of course, that will divide us but there are many that ought to unify us, that ought to bring us together in recognition of the importance of the record that has already been made with regard to judges these past 2 rac{1}{2} years since this administration has come to office. In that time, the Senate has now confirmed 119 circuit and district judges. I am told that is a record in that period of time, that we have never confirmed that many judges over that period of time.”