Cross Posted At DEMbloggers

The Constitution reads:

He shall have Power, by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, to make Treaties, provided two thirds of the Senators present concur; and he shall nominate, and by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, shall appoint Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls, Judges of the supreme Court, and all other Officers of the United States, whose Appointments are not herein otherwise provided for, and which shall be established by Law: but the Congress may by Law vest the Appointment of such inferior Officers, as they think proper, in the President alone, in the Courts of Law, or in the Heads of Departments.

Senator Specter has stated that he has been working for this day for a number of months and he is prepared to take his task seriously.  But, as the past proves Specter must take his time with this confirmation hearing.  This is our right under Section 2 Clause 2 of the Constitution.  In the past the Senate has taken its time and done a brilliant job.  But, there have been instances when the Senate has tried to rush a nomination.  I have provided a table below that shows the nomination to confirmation of the past 8 Justices.

*On 7/1 President Reagan nominated Bork to the Supreme Court.  Due to opposition, Reagan withdrew Bork from consideration and then nominated Kennedy.

Some have said that Specter may be pressured by the Administration and Senate Leadership to push up his schedule to confirm a Justice.  This would not only cause turmoil it would also be an injustice to the American people.  We have to watch this very carefully to make sure Sen. Specter does take his time.  He has a responsibility to the American people.  A responsibility that is much more important than his responsibility to the President.

A potential time line for this nomination should be something around this:

Nomination – July 11th

Hearing Begins – September 12th

Confirmation – October 3rd

This time line follows the time lines of previous nomination.  We just have to be sure that Specter does not rush this nomination.  Just think what this court would be like if the Bork nomination had been rushed!

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