AFJ Condemns Unprecedented and Unconscionable Republican Filibuster of Judge Robert Bacharach

Washington, D.C., July 26, 2012—Alliance for Justice President Nan Aron issued the following statement on the filibuster of the nomination of Oklahoma Judge Robert Bacharach for a seat on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit:

Today marks another disappointing day in the United States Senate as once again unabashed Republican obstruction has forced Majority Leader Harry Reid to file a cloture petition to end a filibuster of a highly qualified judicial nominee who is universally considered an excellent choice for a seat on the federal appeals bench. Oklahoma Judge Robert Bacharach, who has the enthusiastic support of both Republican senators from his state, is just the latest victim of the theater of the politically absurd that is the U.S. Senate. Republican Senator Tom Coburn told The Oklahoman newspaper in June that efforts to block Bacharach are “stupid.” We agree. The fact that cloture has to be filed for this nominee is bad enough, but it would be unconscionable if a circuit court nominee reported to the floor with bipartisan support was successfully filibustered for the first time in history.

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Alliance for Justice is a national association of over 100 organizations, representing a broad array of groups committed to progressive values and the creation of an equitable, just, and free society. AFJ works to ensure that the federal judiciary advances core constitutional values, preserves human rights and unfettered access to the courts, and adheres to the even-handed administration of justice for all Americans. It is the leading expert on the legal framework for nonprofit advocacy efforts, providing definitive information, resources, and technical assistance that encourages organizations and their funding partners to fully exercise their right to be active participants in the democratic process. AFJ is based in Washington, D.C.