Patrick Leahy: “While I have heard partisan attacks from the other side of the aisle, I have not heard Republicans offer a strong…”

“While I have heard partisan attacks from the other side of the aisle, I have not heard Republicans offer a strong defense of Judge Gonzales's actions and judgment. What they come back to again and again is his inspirational life story. Having an Hispanic American serve as Attorney General is overdue and something to which I look forward. Having an African American serve as Attorney General is, likewise, overdue. In his letter to the Judiciary Committee, retired Major General Melvyn Montano may have said it best: ``Judge Gonzales should be evaluated on his record, not his ethnicity.'' At particular moments in our history, the Senate at its best can be the conscience of the Nation. The history books and our children and grandchildren will look back on these times and make their own judgments about how worthily the Senate has served that role as we confront any number of difficult issues in these challenging times. But I do believe that, whatever the outcome of this confirmation proceeding, it is worthy of the Senate that we at least held this debate.”