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Today the Senate voted to confirm controversial judicial nominee Judge Leslie Southwick to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. Nine Democrats voted to confirm the nominee while three didn’t cast a vote. I decided to write a letter to the Senators.

The nine Democratic Senators who voted to confirm were: Akaka (HI), Byrd (WV), Conrad (ND), Dorgan (ND), Feinstein (CA), Johnson (SD), Lincoln (AR), Nelson (NE), and Pryor (AR). My letter to these Senators reads:

Dear Senator ___,

Today I noticed that you voted to support the confirmation of Judge Leslie Southwick to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. I am shocked and appalled that a judge with such a controversial background would so easily sail through a Senate confirmation hearing. Perhaps a year ago when the Republicans still controlled the Senate, this wouldn’t have surprised me. Back then, it took everything the Democrats could muster to filibuster a few of the Bush Administration’s radical judicial appointees.

Today, however, the Democrats control both chambers of Congress. Now is the time to assert the will of the people, and to reintroduce Congress as an equal member of the governing triumvirate. Congress must prevent President Bush from appointing additional extremist ideologues to lifetime positions. And yet today, just such an ideologue was easily confirmed by the Senate.

Senator, I fail to understand how you, as a Democrat, could have voted to support the nomination of Judge Southwick. I respectfully request that you explain your rationale behind confirming a judge who lets personal prejudices and biases so radically influence his decisions. 

Honestly, Senator, I expected more from you and from the Democratically controlled Senate. I am disappointed and dismayed with your vote. 

As a citizen and a Democrat, I appreciate, in advance, your taking the time to explain your rationale to me.

Respectfully,

The three Democratic Senators who did not cast a vote were: Boxer (CA), Dodd (CT), and Kennedy (MA). My letter to these Senators reads:

Dear Senator ____,

Today I noticed that the Senate voted to support the confirmation of Judge Leslie Southwick to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. I am shocked and appalled that a judge with such a controversial background would so easily sail through a Senate confirmation hearing. Perhaps a year ago when the Republicans still controlled the Senate, this wouldn’t have surprised me. Back then, it took everything the Democrats could muster to filibuster a few of the Bush Administration’s radical judicial appointees.

Today, however, the Democrats control both chambers of Congress. Now is the time to assert the will of the people, and to reintroduce Congress as an equal member of the governing triumvirate. Congress must prevent President Bush from appointing additional extremist ideologues to lifetime positions. And yet today, just such an ideologue was easily confirmed by the Senate.

As I reviewed the roll call, I noticed that you did not vote on the confirmation of Judge Southwick. Given the importance and impact of appellate judicial nominations, I wonder why it is that you did not cast a vote on this controversial nominee. As a Democratic Senator who was present during the heated filibusters of previous Bush Administration candidates in prior years, I expect that you understand the importance of blocking such controversial candidates.

As a citizen and a Democrat, I respectfully request to know why you did not cast your vote on the Senate floor today. I appreciate, in advance, your taking the time to explain why you did not vote to block Judge Southwick.

Respectfully,