Enzi Hopes Senators will give Court Nominee Timely, Civil Treatment

Enzi Hopes Senators will give Court Nominee Timely, Civil Treatment

U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., looks forward to once again examining the qualifications of President Bush's nomination to the Supreme Court, Judge John Roberts.

Just two years ago the Senate unanimously approved Roberts' nomination to the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals.

Comments from Sen. Enzi follow.

"This doesn't have to be as difficult as special interest groups are going to try and make it. Not long ago my colleagues and I looked at Mr. Roberts' qualifications and not one senator objected on the Senate floor to him becoming a judge for the D.C. Circuit Court. Let's take another look and then let's have an up or down vote. Each senator should have a chance to vote his conscience. If some choose to vote ‘no' that's the way it goes, but everyone should be able to vote.

"Unfortunately some special interest groups have already started firing political cheap shots. I hope senators on both sides of the aisle will rise above that and allow the confirmation to proceed through the process in a timely and civil manner. Mr. Roberts should be treated with respect and dignity and even if some choose to question his qualifications, he should not be the victim of a purely political smear campaign.

"The President is given the authority under the constitution to choose, with the advice and consent of the Senate, who he wants to fill vacancies on the Supreme Court. That's part of the job that comes with being elected President. I am impressed with the care the President took in making his selection. I appreciate his requests for my thoughts and those of my colleagues prior to his selection."

http://enzi.senate.gov/johnroberts.htm