- Oct 17, 2011
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Menashi, who is on track to be confirmed to a lifetime seat on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit, has drawn fierce opposition from civil rights groups, Democratic senators and at least one GOP senator over his wildly offensive past writings, his lack of experience and his refusal to answer senators’ questions about policies he worked on as the president’s legal adviser.
Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) wondered aloud why the White House couldn’t have found anyone more qualified for a lifetime federal judgeship.
“He has never tried a case. He has never argued an appeal, nor has he made any oral arguments in court. He has never conducted a deposition. He has zero experience handling criminal cases. He could not even name a single time when he observed a criminal trial,” Durbin said. “I believe nominees for a federal judgeship should know their way around a federal court room.”
Republicans defended Menashi, if weakly.
“He’s written some really weird stuff,” said Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.). “He’s different than I would have chosen, but I think he’s led a consequential life.”
Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), who previously told HuffPost he was “doubtful” he’d support Menashi, said he’s had a change of heart.
“Some of his views are eclectic and some of them I don’t agree with,” Kennedy said. “I’m going to vote for his nomination because I think his reasons are carefully, carefully articulated.”
The 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals is based in New York, where Menashi doesn’t have support from either of his home state’s senators, which is embarrassing and rarely happens.
Menashi, who is on track to be confirmed to a lifetime seat on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit, has drawn fierce opposition from civil rights groups, Democratic senators and at least one GOP senator over his wildly offensive past writings, his lack of experience and his refusal to answer senators’ questions about policies he worked on as the president’s legal adviser.
Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) wondered aloud why the White House couldn’t have found anyone more qualified for a lifetime federal judgeship.
“He has never tried a case. He has never argued an appeal, nor has he made any oral arguments in court. He has never conducted a deposition. He has zero experience handling criminal cases. He could not even name a single time when he observed a criminal trial,” Durbin said. “I believe nominees for a federal judgeship should know their way around a federal court room.”
Republicans defended Menashi, if weakly.
“He’s written some really weird stuff,” said Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.). “He’s different than I would have chosen, but I think he’s led a consequential life.”
Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), who previously told HuffPost he was “doubtful” he’d support Menashi, said he’s had a change of heart.
“Some of his views are eclectic and some of them I don’t agree with,” Kennedy said. “I’m going to vote for his nomination because I think his reasons are carefully, carefully articulated.”
The 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals is based in New York, where Menashi doesn’t have support from either of his home state’s senators, which is embarrassing and rarely happens.
