ConfirmThem

By Feddie Posted in Uncategorized — Comments () / Email this page » / Leave a comment »

In honor of the one-year anniversary (tomorrow) of Judge William H. Pryor, Jr.'s recess appointment to the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals, I thought it would be appropriate to repost the following excerpt from the Southern Appeal archives ("Why Pryor will eventually be confirmed by the Senate," posted on February 21, 2004) here at Confirm Them:

I believe Pryor will eventually be confirmed by the U.S. Senate. First, recent polls notwithstanding, it is far more likely than not that President Bush will be re-elected to a second term. Second, two years is a looooong time. Passions will wane, and Judge Pryor will be able to demonstrate his steadfast commitment to the rule of law in a judicial capacity. Third, the Eleventh Circuit has one of the heaviest case loads in the country. The judges on that circuit desperately need a brilliant, energetic, hard working judge to assist them in this regard. And on that count, Pryor is exactly what the doctor ordered. Judge Pryor is also extremely personable. While I am sure that some of the more liberal to moderate judges on the Eleventh Circuit have mixed feelings about Pryor's recess appointment, mark my words, he will win them over.

Having served as a federal appellate clerk for two years, I can tell you that, ideological differences notwithstanding, there is a great deal of collegiality between the judges at that level. I would not be the least bit surprised if, after a year or so on the bench, Judge Pryor's colleagues unanimously voiced their support of him (for purposes of Senate confirmation). This may not sway Patrick Leahy et al., but it is likely to influence more moderate, fair-minded dems. And if the Republicans pick up three to four seats this November, Pryor won't need much dem support to override the filibuster.

I stand by this prediction. Judge Pryor will be confirmed by the Senate.