by James Oliphant
Sen. John Cornyn, the Republican from Texas, just gave his opening statement, Cornyn's in an interesting spot. He's a former Texas Supreme Court justice and state attorney general--and has been expressing his concerns over Sotomayor's record on his website on a daily basis. With another Democratic nominee, you might expect Cornyn to play attack dog.
But Cornyn wears two hats here. He's also chairman of the Republican Senate reelection machine--and must concern himself with the health of the GOP as a whole. Does he want to risk alienating Latinos--now so central to the success of both national parties--over a nominee almost certain to be confirmed?
Unlike many of his colleagues, Cornyn early stayed away from criticizing Sotomayor directly for her public remarks. Instead, he listed his slightly wonkish worries about the direction of the federal judiciary as a whole. "Would you vote to return to a written Constitution. . . .or would you take us further away," he asked Sotomayor. "We need to know more about your record."
He's particularly concerned, he said, about the Second Amendment and gun rights and the taking clause of the Fifth Amendment, employed in eminent domain proceedings. And ultimately, he said he fears Sotomayor would create "new rights."
"No one can accuse you for not having been candid about your views," Cornyn said in what must be considered a left-handed compliment. (Or given Cornyn's sensibilities right-handed.)
Comments
Keep up the hate, Cornyn.
As much as elected Republicans may try to hide their bigoted attacks on Sotomayor by letting other Wingnuts fling the mud (Gingrich, Limbaugh, Pat Buchanan, Lou Dobbs etc), that distinction isn't going to be made by Latinos watching on the sidelines. They know who pulls the strings in the modern GOP, and the longer they drag this out, and the nastier they behave, the more they'll lose a demographic that is projected to be 30 percent of the American population in 2050.
Without young voters or Latinos, the GOP can't win. They've done a fantastic job of alienating the former with their opposition to equality, and they're about to finish off the latter courtesy of the Sotomayor confirmation hearings.
Considering that the Census Bureau expects the nation to be only 46 percent non-Hispanic, single-race white in 2050, the GOP's continued shoddy treatment of people who don't look like "President" Newt or Boss Limbaugh is only solidifying their journey toward fringe status.
Activist Judge = any judge who does not rule exactly 100% the way Republicans think they should.
Posted by: ComeAsYouAre | July 13, 2009 2:05 PM
I really do like Sotomayor. She’s got a compelling backstory and from everything I’ve read, she seems like an excellent fit for the supreme court. But then again, just like with Presidents, it’s difficult to tell how they will really be until they have the position. There’s a good article floating around online today about whether Sotomayor might be the left’s version of Scalia in terms of temperament and the way she argues: http://bit.ly/c8tuS Not sure if this is a good thing or not.
Posted by: Judging Sotomayor | July 13, 2009 2:17 PM
It is standard rabid Republicanism, fear and smear and for good measure, throw in, a little hypocrisy !! Unfortunately, it had worked in the past, but, at the moment, it is out of favor, with our present electorate. That is why the charade that they are dancing before Judiciary Committee is falling flat on its face !!
In these difficult economic times, the Republicans are sharping their poison talking points, again, ready to start a fresh assault on President Obama and Vice-President Biden. The fear and smear machine is ready to make another appearance: The Democratic healthcare bill is coming, front and center, ready to replace our present health-scare system !! If you don't have the money, you are dead out of luck !! Support President Obama's healthcare reform, the life you save may be your own !!
SUPPORT OUR TROOPS, BRING THEM HOME, ALIVE AND WHOLE. NOW.
Posted by: Don Fitzgerald, IL | July 15, 2009 9:44 AM
Interesting that Leahy and Jefferson Beauregard couldn't resist their trial lawyer instincts.
After Cornyn finished his first round, Leahy said "Oh, there was something I forgot to do. I want to enter these letters of support from ........[a number of Hispanic organizations in Texas]...." Just to remind Cornyn there are votes there to be alienated.
Then Jefferson Beauregard, in a classis tit-for-tat trial lawyers love to pull, said "Mr. Chairman, I'd like to submit for the record a letter from the NRA against the nomination, based on her responses to the 2d Amendment questions yesterday......."
It's nice to see that in their declining years, their trial lawyer instincts have not diminished.
[Just kidding.]
Posted by: ornery | July 16, 2009 5:21 PM