President Barack Obama’s controversial judicial nominee Michael Boggs has sparked a rancorous battle between two Georgia Democrats in the Congressional Black Caucus.
Rep. David Scott (D-GA) said civil rights hero Rep. John Lewis (D-GA) was “a turncoat who has betrayed African Americans, women and gays” if, as Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) suggested, Lewis gave his blessing to Boggs, who is under fire for his past votes as a Georgia state legislator, including one to keep the state’s old Confederate battle flag.
.@nielslesniewski @jbendery @SenFeinstein if this is true, then Rep Lewis is a turncoat who has betrayed African Americans, women and gays
— David Scott (@repdavidscott) May 18, 2014
Scott, an outspoken opponent of the nomination, was responding to Feinstein’s comments on CNN that Lewis “felt that this was a good ticket” — referring to the negotiated package of seven Obama nominees to Georgia courts, which included Boggs. Lewis has not spoken publicly about the nomination.
Reached by TPM, Scott spokesman Michael Andel defended the congressman’s remarks and called on Lewis to speak out against Boggs before the Senate Judiciary Committee votes on him.
“Rep. Lewis will not make any public statements about the nomination and senators are saying his views will influence them to support or oppose the nomination. Others are saying that he has given approval, but this is the first media report of what we have been hearing for two weeks,” Andel said, adding that Scott wants Lewis to speak out “[t]o stop the view in the Senate that he supports the Boggs’ nomination. The Committee vote can be any day now.”
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) has signaled opposition to Boggs and suggested he’ll seek advice from Lewis.
A Lewis spokeswoman didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.
Comments have been taken over by the Martians? 'Cuz this “turncoat” comment has since been refuted by the man himself.
See: http://talkingpointsmemo.com/livewire/john-lewis-comes-out-against-michael-boggs
Obama is being vilified by the media in doing a standard deal with the opposing senators, in a state controlled by the opposition. Clinton did the same thing, appointing Strom Thurmond’s son as USA in SC to move a package of more progressive nominees. Senator Helms and the southern senators practiced this art for years. The Dems did it with W all because of the blue slip rule.
How crafty for news making to call Boggs Obama’s nominee.
yeah, I thought lewis pretty much put his official kibosh on this already.
Yes, he has, and I think TPM is experiencing a technical snafu of sorts.
Rep Scott, you are not fit to wipe the shoes of John Lewis. Stop opening your mouth, and erasing all doubt about who the fool is in this debate.
John Lewis is an American Hero. He put his life on the line for his convictions . You, bleat nonsense on Twitter. How brave of you.
Now apologize if you are a man, if not… just bleat away like a sheep.