It's here. Of relevance to this District:
The nomination of Miami-Dade Circuit Judge William Thomas to fill a
federal judicial vacancy is illustrative. Mr. Thomas, if confirmed,
would become the first openly gay black man to serve on a federal bench.
After first recommending him, Sen. Rubio withdrew support, citing
concern over two rulings — even though a prosecutor whom the judge ruled
against in one case wrote the senator in support of Judge Thomas. Mr.
Rubio’s office points out that he has supported some of President
Obama’s judicial picks; critics say opposition to Judge Thomas is rooted
in anti-gay politics.
As 2016 approaches, the presidential
campaign will pick up speed. Given Sen. Rubio’s obvious political
appeal, he should be a strong contender for his party’s nomination if he
chooses to run, but his political calculus should not require support
for an agenda that does not fit the needs of a large, diverse state like
Florida.
The SDFLA Blog is dedicated to providing news and notes regarding federal practice in the Southern District of Florida. The New Times calls the blog "the definitive source on South Florida's federal court system." All tips on court happenings are welcome and will remain anonymous. Please email David Markus at dmarkus@markuslaw.com
I'm sure an editorial (note: not an op-ed) by the Miami Herald will cause Sen. Rubio to change his position. Just wait and see. It's only a matter of time. lol. Although voting to confirm Judge Gayles could be an easier (and perhaps principled) solution.
ReplyDeleteLike we needed this incident to be disappointed in Rubio. I am more disappointed in the Florida Democratic Party who couldnt present a better candidate against Rubio in the Senate race. In Fl, The Democratic Party is basically relegated to representing ghettos and super affluent hoods. A democracy gets the government officials it deserves. Eat it.
ReplyDeleteThe point of the piece is not to influence Rubio to change his position but to influence voters when considering whether to vote for him in the future. Why wouldn't the more "principled" position be to return the blue slip and let Thomas have a vote in the Senate? Afraid of having other Senators decide whether Thomas deserves confirmation? Last I checked the Constitution gives the President the power to appoint judges with the advice and consent of "THE Senate," and it says nothing about a single Senator's power to block the entire process. Senator Rubio's block on Thomas is disgraceful and the Herald is correct in emphasizing it.
ReplyDeleteFew lawyers and even fewer non-lawyers even know about the Thomas nomination issue, let alone care about it.
ReplyDeleteOnce gayles goes up, there will be zero issues.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.miamiherald.com/2013/12/27/3839798/ransom-students-provide-food-for.html SEPARATE BUT EQUAL IS ALIVE AND WELL IN MIAMI
ReplyDeleteNO THOMAS
ReplyDeleteNO JUSTICE
NO PEACE
(rinse, repeat)