In the WashPost, Dana Milbank notes Leahy’s announcement he would vote for Roberts drew ire from the left “but no thanks from the right wing (‘cynical posturing,’ said a press release distributed at the hearing by the Traditional Values Coalition).” That must be an oral statement from TVC, since there’s nothing like that on their website.

But did all the “right wing” groups dismiss him? Most (like the FRC, and CWA) left Leahy out of their reactions to the vote. (Think of the donor base: Why would a conservative group use their resources on a “Thank You, Pat” press release? At least when Roberts looks like a shoo-in?) The Committee for Justice

didn’t wave pom-poms, but did issue a statement that “Senator Leahy’s statement is in keeping with traditional Senate practice, which looks to assure the competence and propriety of the nominee, not agreement with his expected decisions. I hope that other Democrats also adhere to the Senate’s advise and consent traditions.”