Listen, I understand the need for “common ground” and all for consensus building, but… Is it possible for Arlen Specter to make the case for a conservative as a qualified conservative professional, or does he always have to find the liberal lining? Today, it’s on Bill Pryor.

The chairman tells the Washington Times [sub. req.]:

Former Alabama Attorney General William Pryor–nominated to the 11th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals and serving a temporary term on that bench–has “written a half dozen very moderate-progressive opinions,” Mr. Specter said. “I’ve circulated those among all the committee members and asked them to take a fresh look at Pryor.

How about “qualified judges deserve votes. He is qualified. He deserves a hearing and a vote.”?

(I’m not just picking on him. This comes on the heels of his Gonzales [re: “he’s a lib!” dog whistle] defense.)