New Links

I've added a few new links to other Illinois political blogs. Some of these blogs are almost as good as SADD! :)

Special thanks to Obiter Dictum for linking to one of my recent posts! Much appreciated!

Backpedaling

Well, well. Sen. Dick Durbin is doing again what he did after making his thoughtless Guantanamo Bay comments -- retreating a bit after making an ass of himself. Sen. Durbin just had to cause a ruckus about the President's nominee for the Supreme Court, John Roberts. And when fellow Democrats would not back him up, he had to tone down his rhetoric.

Durbin labelled Roberts "controversial" and predicted a contentious confirmation hearing. But few others in the Senate seem to think that Roberts is so very far outside the "mainstream." And, now, Sen. Durbin is saying what he should have said in the first place: "I want to go into this hearing with an open mind." Sen. Durbin, after meeting with Roberts, even offered the nominee a gift. Aww, isn't that sweet?
(article)

Next time, Dick, think before you speak.

Dick Durbin: Has a big mouth.

ISSUE 9: THE JUDICIARY

I will need to add more to this post, as it is an important topic. But, since it's timely, I thought I'd say a bit about Sen. Dick Durbin's latest rants.

You know the "Gang of 14," the 14 moderate Senators who reached a compromise regarding the President's judicial appointments? The 14 senators who agreed that the filibuster should be used only in the most extraordinary instances? The senators who believe that the word "extreme" is not one to be tossed around lightly? Dick Durbin is NOT one of those senators. Dick Durbin is not interested in compromise. Dick Durbin is not interested in allowing up or down votes on judicial nominees. Dick Durbin is interested in Dick Durbin and very little else.

On Tuesday, the President nominated John G. Roberts to fill the vacancy in the Supreme Court created by retiring Justice Sandra Day O'Connor. Republicans were quick to line up behind Roberts. But even some Democrats had praise for the President's choice:

"This is a credible nominee -- and not one, as far as we know now, who has a record that in any sense can be described as 'extremist.'"
--Sen. Joe Lieberman (D-CT)

"I think the president made a wise choice,"
--Sen. Ben Nelson (D-NE)

"So far, so good."
--Sen. Mark Pryor (D-AR) (article)

Other Democrats, including Illinois' Junior Senator, Barack Obama, are withholding judgment on Mr. Roberts:

"I take very seriously the Senate’s advice and consent role regarding a Supreme Court nomination I will be closely following the Judiciary Committee hearings on Judge Roberts and will thoroughly review his record before deciding whether or not to vote to confirm him."
--Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL) (article)

"Do I believe this is a filibuster-able nominee? The answer would be 'no,' not at this time."
--Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) (article)


Did Sen. Dick Durbin reach across party lines to announce his support for John Roberts? No. Did Dick Durbin tactfully say he would take a "wait and see" approach to the nominee? No. Dick Durbin said this:

"The President had an opportunity to unite the country with his Supreme Court nomination, to nominate an individual in the image of Justice Sandra Day O'Connor. Instead, by putting forward John Roberts' name, President Bush has chosen a more controversial nominee and guaranteed a more controversial confirmation process." (article)

Dick Durbin lacks the tact that his Democratic colleagues have, even colleagues who might vote against the President's nominee.

Dick Durbin: Wrong about the judiciary.

Anti- Durbin Ad Campaign

A Television ad campaign criticizing Sen. Dick Durbin will be launched beginning July 4. The campaign will be nationwide, with spots airing on cable news networks throughout the country and on ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC affiliates in Illinois.

Read the article here: http://www.illinoisleader.com/news/newsview.asp?c=26931

View the ad here: http://www.moveamericaforward.org/