Senate tiff likely over delays in judge vote

The Clarion-Ledger, 7/6/7

Conservative groups – and some GOP senators – say controversy over the nomination of Mississippi Judge Leslie Southwick to the federal bench may touch off a new wave of partisan fighting that could stall Senate work.

Just before Congress adjourned for the July 4 break, Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, a senior member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, said “wrong tactics, inappropriate methods, and illegitimate means” have been used by Southwick’s opponents to wreck his nomination to the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.