GOP Attacks Supreme Court Nominee…Whoever It Is

Monday, May 18, 2009

Regardless of whom Obama nominates to succeed soon-to-retire Justice David H. Souter, Republicans have already stockpiled ammunition against possible nominees. According to Gary Marx, executive director of the conservative Judicial Confirmation Network, donors have pledged to contribute millions to media advertisements in an effort to reunite the GOP in a confirmation battle. Richard A. Viguerie, a Republican fundraiser, confirms, “It’s an immense opportunity to build the conservative movement and identify the troops out there. It’s a massive teaching moment for America. We’ve got the package written. We’re waiting right now to put a name in.”

 
If Judge Diane P. Wood is nominated, conservatives will deem her a supporter of abortion. If Obama nominates Judge Sonia Sotomayor, Republicans will accuse her of attempting to expand constitutional rights beyond the scope of the Constitution. If professor Kathleen M. Sullivan is nominated, they will denounce her long-standing support for homosexual marriage.
 
Memoranda obtained by The New York Times reveal the GOP preparation against the nominees: in-depth analysis of possible nominees’ records, documentation of objectionable statements by nominees, and information regarding nominees’ opinions on controversial issues like abortion, same-sex marriage, and the separation of church and state. 
 
Today support for the Republican Party is dwindling—conservatives have lost control of the White House and Congress; there is no clear party leader; recent GOP leaders have received low approval ratings; and some leading conservative groups are experiencing budget deficits. Republican leaders are hoping that this preemptive planning will pay off…literally.
-Erika K. Solanki
 
Conservatives Map Strategies on Court Fight (by Charlie Savage, New York Times)

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