May 18, 2005
Dear Potential Presidential Candidates,
As leaders of active Iowa organizations,
we want to applaud all of the potential presidential candidates who currently
serve in the U. S. Senate and have pledged support for an up or down vote
on President Bush's judicial nominees, including Senators Allen, Brownback,
Frist, and Santorum. On the other hand, we are concerned about the
two potential candidates - Senator McCain, and from our neighboring state
of Nebraska, Senator Hagel - who have so far refused to support an up or
down vote.
Our organizations are comprised of very knowledgeable
and active members. We know that the senate has never filibustered
a judicial nominee who earned majority support. We also understand
that a minority of senators have now hijacked the judicial confirmation
process and abused senate rules to prevent an up or down vote.
These extremists filibustered 10 of President
Bush's 52 U.S. Circuit Court nominees during his first term and have now
threatened to filibuster another seven nominees, including Justices Owen
and Brown. Further, they have gone as far as threatening to shut
down the senate if their colleagues allow a simple vote on these nominees.
This is totally unacceptable. The job of
a U.S. Senator is to vote. If individual senators oppose specific
judicial nominees, then they should vote against them - not block an up
or down vote.
The undersigned organizations want to thank
Senators Allen, Brownback, Frist, and Santorum for their courage. Moreover,
it is important that Senators Hagel and McCain understand that our organizations
will continue to keep our statewide memberships fully informed and educated
on how each of the potential presidential candidates in the senate stood
on this important issue. Now is not the time to stand by silently
while a band of partisan extremists abuse the senate rules and twist senate
history in order to obstruct President Bush's qualified nominees.
Sincerely,
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Steve Scheffler
Director, Christian Coalition of Iowa
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Marlys Popma
Christian Coalition of Iowa
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Chuck Hurley
President, Iowa Family Policy Center Action
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David M. Stanley
Chairman, Tax Education Foundation
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Edward D. Failor, Sr.
President, Iowans for Tax Relief
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Kim Lehman
Executive Director, Iowa Right to Life
Committee
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Maxine K. Sieleman
Host, KWKY Update Today
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Tamara P. Scott
State Director, Concerned Women for America
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