Thomas Daschle: “the Senate has confirmed 99 judicial nominees during the 107th Congress--all of which have occurred since Democrats…”

“the Senate has confirmed 99 judicial nominees during the 107th Congress--all of which have occurred since Democrats assumed the majority. Democrats have also confirmed more circuit court nominees than Republicans did any of their prior six years of control. Today we are considering the nomination of Judge Shedd for the Fourth Circuit. There has been much discussion over Judge Shedd's nomination, and I understand the Judiciary Committee has received hundreds of letters from individuals and organizations expressing concern over elevating Judge Shedd. While his nomination was reported out of the committee last week, there was considerable debate and many members raised serious concerns. I am troubled by allegations that Judge Shedd has a pattern of injecting his personal opinions into the proceedings before him, including--ordering defendants to make motions for summary judgment, and deciding on issues before they are raised. I am also concerned about allegations that individuals raising employment discrimination claims before him are unable to receive a fair and impartial forum. I understand that through questioning by the Judiciary Committee, it was uncovered that Judge Shedd could not think of a single plaintiff in a civil rights or employment discrimination case who had prevailed in his courtroom--in fact, Judge Shedd has never granted substantive relief to a plaintiff in an employment discrimination case.”