Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-VT) confirmed today that Republicans are holding up approval of David Ogden, President Obama’s nominee to be deputy attorney general. From Leahy’s remarks in the committee this morning:
Despite the strong support from law enforcement groups, children’s advocates, civil rights organizations and former Democratic and Republican officials, and despite this Committee’s bipartisan vote, Republican Senators have now chosen to filibuster the second of President Obama’s nominations reported by this Committee. This is not a good start.
Ogden did win approval in committee, as Leahy notes, from senior Judiciary GOPer Arlen Specter (PA) as well as Sens. Jon Kyl (R-AZ) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC). But we know who doesn’t like him: the right.
Family Research Council fellow Cathy Ruse, in a recent op-ed for CNSNews.com, outlined the conservative case against Ogden, focusing on his past defense of abortion providers and the porn industry. Focus on the Family is also mobilizing its members this week to call for Ogden’s defeat.
Late Update: Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) is expected to file for cloture on Ogden’s nomination this week, according to Leahy’s office — meaning that Republicans will be challenged to put their money where their mouth is soon enough.
