The Senate may vote as early as tomorrow on the nomination of Leslie Southwick to the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals.
Senate Democrats should show that it made a difference that they took over the majority by defeating this terrible judge. Sadly, it is not at all clear that they will.
(Join me after the jump)
Southwick needs to be filibustered. This should not be a close call for Democrats. As a district court judge, Southwick voted in favor of rehiring a white woman who was fired from her state job for calling her colleague a "good ole nigger." Judge Southwick virtually always votes for employers. In this case, imagine that, he made an exception.
He also joined a particularly ugly decision taking a way a woman's child because she was living with a woman.
This judge has no business being promoted to an appeals court--especially now that Democrats control the Senate.
These rulings are huge slaps in the face to two key elements of the Democratic base. How do Democratic Senators propose to explain giving a lifetime, appeals court seat to someone who views blacks and gays with so little respect. (And who thinks gay people should have their children taken away?)
The Republicans, who are in the minority, are filibustering everything in sight these days. Harry Reid--who claims to oppose Southwick (not clear how sincere that is)--should be able to find the votes he needs to filibuster this.
On election day next year, Reid, Schumer, and the rest of the Senate Democrats will be hoping for a huge African-American turnout to keep Senators like Mary Landrieu in office.
How about they show African-Americans tomorrow that they will not let a judge with Southwick's record be promoted?
The vote on cloture is too close to call, but it seems to be leaning somewhat in favor of Southwick at this point. Disgraceful.