Patrick Leahy actually said...

"I believe that your experience as a Federal public defender has made you a better judge, helped you maintain impartial and balanced perspective in criminal and other cases."

"One doesn't have to have the same political beliefs or ideologies as a judicial nominee to recognize their integrity and intellect."

"You know, any time I had an opportunity to argue a case at an appellate level, I don't think I ever thought about who nominated or appointed the judges I was before."

"What do you say to people who say you're soft on crime or even anti-law enforcement because you accepted your duties as a public defender?"