Update [2005-3-2 11:24:13 by Armando]: From the Diaries by Armando. I agree with much of what Curt writes here, except I VEHEMENTLY disagree with the notion that there was pressure to support fellow Hispanic Gonzales. I don't buy that for a minute. There was pressure from La Raza, but they stink (that discussion for another day)
Senator Ken Salazar has sent President Bush a letter asking him to make a bipartisan gesture by withdrawing the judicial nominees previously rejected by the Senate.
In his letter, Salazar speaks about the need for bipartisanship and tells Bush he needs to reach out to Democrats. Salazar notes that he has voted for all of Bush's cabinet nominees to this point but says that President Bush's renomination of previously rejected judicial nominees will serve to cause animosity and divisiveness. From his letter:
The decision to re-nominate these individuals will undoubtedly create the animosity and divisiveness between the President and the Unites States Senate as an institution that is not helpful to our Nation and will sidetrack our collective efforts to work on other crucial matters. Therefore, I respectfully request that you withdraw the nominations of these individuals.
Although his language is very diplomatic, Salazar has taken a step towards repairing his relationship with the Democratic Party. Here is the full text of his press release and accompanying letter:
SEN. SALAZAR ASKS PRESIDENT TO WITHDRAW JUDICIAL NOMINEES
Contact: Cody Wertz/ 202-224-5852 & Jen Clanahan/ 303-455-7600
03/01/2005- Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Ken Salazar in a letter today asked the President to withdraw his most controversial judicial nominations in order to re-establish common ground with both parties and begin work on the issues most important to the people in Colorado and across America - a ballooning deficit, health care, transportation, the war on terrorism and others. "Last week I held 17 regional meetings with elected officials from all 64 Colorado counties and not once did the issue of judges come up," said Salazar. "It's time to work together in good faith to get Washington's priorities back in order and focus on the issues that affect people everyday." Included below is the letter Senator Salazar sent.
The President
The White House
Washington, DC 20500
Dear Mr. President:
I came to the Senate with high hopes that we could work together to bridge the partisan divide that has characterized Washington over the last several years. As I have personally discussed with you, I believe the future of our Nation requires a bipartisan approach to resolve the major challenges facing us.
The enormity of those challenges cannot be underestimated. These challenges include historic deficits, health care, transportation and the war on terrorism. Though the challenges we face are historic, I have reported to Coloradans the conversations we have had about the need to transcend partisanship and work together on these challenges. In that spirit, I voted with many other Republican and Democratic senators to confirm every member of your cabinet for your second term.
In that context, I am concerned with your decision to re-nominate judicial nominees previously nominated and not confirmed by the Senate in the 108th Congress. The decision reflects a sentiment contrary to the cooperative working relationship we need to develop to confront the many challenges we face. The decision to re-nominate these individuals will undoubtedly create the animosity and divisiveness between the President and the Unites States Senate as an institution that is not helpful to our Nation and will sidetrack our collective efforts to work on other crucial matters.
Therefore, I respectfully request that you withdraw the nominations of these individuals. Doing so would not be a comment on your confidence in the capability of these individuals to serve, but would be a recognition that the Congress and the President must work on those matters where we can find common purpose. Indeed, I know we can find common ground even on judicial nominations if there is consultation between the leadership of the Senate and the White House prior to the nominations.
I thank you in advance for the consideration of my request.
Respectfully,
Ken Salazar United States Senator
CC:
The Honorable Arlen Specter
The Honorable Patrick Leahy
I have no doubt this will not be sufficient for Salazar to rehabilitate his image with many Democrats, especially considering his vote to confirm Alberto Gonzales as Attorney General. For me, that was a nearly unforgivable act, but I recognize that for this freshman Senator that vote represented a dilemna for him in which he was caught between his need to support a fellow Hispanic and to support his party. He chose wrongly on that vote but hopefully this small step indicates that he is serious about backing his Party in future battles.
His vote on the confirmation of William G. Myers as judge to the 9th Circuit of the U.S. Court of Appeals will once again test his desire to support the Democratic Party.
Hopefully, this time, Senator Salazar will make the correct decision.