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A judicious beginning

In one area at least, the White House has acknowledged political reality. With the Senate under Democratic control once again, President Bush has decided not to renominate four of his most controversial nominees to federal appellate court seats. The conciliatory gesture adds some much-needed goodwill to the judicial confirmation process that now will be headed by Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., the new Senate Judiciary Committee chairman.

Of the many political battles between the administration and congressional Democrats, those over lifetime judicial appointments have been among the most bitterly fought. It appears Bush understands that Democrats now will have a say in the nomination of federal judges.

The nominations of Michael Wallace to the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, William Haynes II to the 4th Circuit, William Myers III to the 9th Circuit and Terrence Boyle to 4th Circuit - all deeply flawed nominees - were not among those forwarded to the Senate recently.

Leahy has urged that there be a "fresh start" on judicial nominations, asking the president to focus on qualifications and bipartisan consensus in choosing nominees. A little more of the compromise Bush demonstrated recently would do wonders to ease partisan gridlock.

[Last modified January 31, 2007, 01:00:31]