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A letter to two senators Sunday, Jan 8, 2006 By David Sanders Dear Sens. Lincoln and Pryor, I trust both you and your families had a wonderful holiday season. Holidays usually slow down the column department. There isn't a lot going on and I'm forced to write contrived columns administering Christmas wishes and making predictions for the New Year. Of course, the past few weeks have been filled with a little added excitement when it was discovered that President Bush authorized the fine folks at the NSA to snoop on those who want to blow up buildings and kill innocent people. Last week got a little interesting when Jack Abramoff cut his deal with federal prosecutors. I can't wait to watch your fellow Hill dwellers squirm as details of their corruption leak onto the pages of the Wall Street Journal, Washington Post and New York Times. I didn't write you to waste time rehashing current events. It was the nomination of now-Chief Justice John Roberts that prompted me to write you last. I was very proud when both of you cast votes to confirm him; it was wonderful and I thank you. It is Judge Samuel Alito, President Bush's latest nominee to the high court, which causes me to write now. We are being treated to an all-out war as forces on the left and right spend lots of money to influence your vote. As was the case when Roberts was nominated, there are many people who are hell-bent on fighting Armageddon anytime a conservative jurist is nominated to the bench. I have to be honest: Sen. Pryor, I can see you voting "aye" for Mr. Alito, but Sen. Lincoln, my gut tells me you could be drifting towards a "nay" vote this go-around. That being said, Sen. Pryor, I'm not taking your vote for granted. You have made clear the high-water mark a nominee must meet to earn your vote. Your leadership as one of the Gang of 14 gives me great confidence in your ability to do the right thing. Sen. Lincoln, you have made a career out of driving your proverbial car down the middle of Washington's streets. You are the Senate's true moderate. You're not afraid to criticize your own party and work with Republicans. You voted for the first round of Bush tax cuts and then voted against President Bush's second tax-cut package. Conventional wisdom says you'll take a similar approach with respect to U.S. Supreme Court nominees: Your "yes" vote for Roberts will be balanced with a "no" for Alito. That being said, I have always considered you to be an unconventional senator who is never willing to follow her party's herd mentality. There aren't a lot of differences between Roberts and Alito. I suppose that is the beauty of his nomination. If you like Roberts you should like Alito. Those who know both men say they are extremely similar. Like Roberts, Alito has garnered impressive accolades from both sides of the political aisle. Both prosecutors and criminal defense attorneys marvel at his intellect and understanding of the law. He is said to be a humble man who operates with a quiet confidence. Ultimately his experience as a federal judge, U.S. attorney and Justice Department attorney makes him completely qualified to serve on the nation's highest court. My only request is that you continue to rely on the same fairness and impartiality that guided you through this process with Roberts; it has, and will, continue, to serve you well. Sincerely, David J. Sanders ------- David Sanders writes twice weekly for the Arkansas News Bureau in Little Rock. His e-mail address is DavidJSanders@aol.com. |
