Sure, We'll Compromise

According to Robert Novak, Senate Miority Leader Harry Reid has informed Senate Majority "Leader" Bill Frist that Senate Democrats are prepared to ignore the Constitution and filibuster the nomination of Judge Priscilla Owen should President Bush choose to nominate her for the Supreme Court seat being vacated by Injustice Sandra Day O'Connor. While I am generally not a fan of negotiating with an unreasonable minority, I'd be willing to make an exception in this case. If Senate Democrats are so convinced that Judge Owen is wrong for the Court, fine. President Bush should select Judge Janice Rogers Brown.

At first glance, it appears that Judge Owen would make a fine Supreme Court Justice. In fact, she may well. Unfortunately, though, the Roberts example shows us that no matter how steller a potential nominee may seem, what he or she really needs is a track record. To be sure, what there is of an Owen track record is excellent. I have little doubt that, if nominated and confirmed, Owen would be closer to Justice Scalia than Roberts. But the President owes us. If he wants us on his side in the face of Reid's filibusters, then he had better give us someone we will go to war, nuclear war, over. While there are certainly several excellent judges out there, this blogger will be disappointed with anyone other than than the brilliant, highly qualified, forthright Judge Janice Rogers Brown. Let's take the Democrats' threat to filibuster Judge Owen as a sign that they agree.