Wednesday, July 06, 2005
(11:23 AM) | Adam Kotsko:
My totally personalized message from Barack Obama
And I quote:Dear Adam:The amazing thing is that this letter could work just as well for a constituent who either strongly opposed or strongly supported Roe v. Wade (people who don't feel strongly either way presumably don't bother to write, or bother to click the button to send a form letter).
Thank you for contacting me about the Supreme Court vacancy created by the retirement of Justice Sandra Day O'Connor. I appreciate your strong feelings about Roe v. Wade and your concern about who President Bush may nominate for this position.
To date, the President has not given any indication who he is considering seriously for this vacancy. It is my hope that he will consult with congressional leaders of both political parties about his options and seek a consensus candidate who embodies the approach of Justice O'Connor.
Meanwhile, I think it is important for all senators to approach this appointment with an open mind. Throughout this year's often contentious debate on federal judicial nominations, I have set as my standard that the candidate for a lifetime appointment to the Federal bench follow legal precedent, respect the constitutionally protected rights of individuals, and resist the temptation to substitute personal ideology for legal reasoning in court rulings. If the President decides to nominate someone to the Court who is as "out-of-the-mainstream" of legal thinking, as I believe some of his recommendations for lower courts have been, I will certainly oppose confirmation of that nominee.
Again, Adam, thank you for your message. President Bush is expected to announce his choice to replace Justice O'Connor later this month. The debate over this nominee will then unfold over the next several months. I encourage you to stay in touch as it proceeds.
Sincerely,
Barack Obama
United States Senator
