Democrats Win 13-5

Today the Senate Judiciary Committee voted John Roberts out by a vote of 13-5. Every Republican voted for him, along with liberal Democrats Patrick Leahy, Herb Kohl, and Russ Feingold. Since then, several other Democrats have announced their support for his confirmation.

Sadly, among the Republicans on the Committee who voted for Judge Roberts are conservative stallwarts Sen. Sam Brownback and Dr. Tom Coburn. These two Senators, along with some others, made errors in judgment. In spite of some suggestions that Sen. Schumer has said that they expect Roberts to uphold Roe, it is hard to believe that these two men who have staked their careers on the protection of the unborn would now do an about face on something as important as the confirmation of the Chief Justice of the United States. Ralph Neas and Barry Lynn are throwing a fit, but the two would do so with any person nominated by a Republican President. Their standard is Stenberg, and anyone who does not swear a blood oath to it would face their oppositon.

Looking at the Democrats, Russ Feingold's vote in particular is illuminating. He has been discussed as a possible Presidential candidate, so this vote is extremely risky. If Judge Roberts votes to uphold Casey, Feingold will be viewed as a hero for appearing reasonable while firing a shot across the bow of the administration regarding the possible nomination of the best judge on any list. If not, Sen. Feingold's political career is dead.

Conservatives have lowered the bar with Roberts. Hopefully it can be raised to a standard that only the best can meet. If not, the Supreme Court is gone for good.