The Brawl over Judges

Washington gears up

PATRICK LEAHY, ranking Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee, smiled a smile that didn’t seem entirely . . . sincere. “Senator Hatch is one of the handful of senators I consider my closest, dearest friends,” Leahy said of the man seated next to him, committee chairman Orrin Hatch. Nevertheless, Leahy said he was deeply concerned about Hatch’s plans to handle the president’s nominations for the federal courts. Leahy accused Hatch of trying to change the rules to go easier on George W. Bush’s choices than he had on Bill Clinton’s. He accused Hatch of trying to rush the process. And his normally soft voice rose to a near-shout as he vowed to protect “THE SENATE, IN ITS RULES AND ITS PRACTICES,” from Republican assault. As Leahy ranted, Hatch, visibly frustrated and angry at his close, dear friend’s tactics, sat silently, his arms folded across his chest.

About the Author

Byron York

Byron York is a former White House correspondent for National Review.

Washington gears up

PATRICK LEAHY, ranking Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee, smiled a smile that didn’t seem entirely . . . sincere. “Senator Hatch is one of the handful of senators I consider my closest, dearest friends,” Leahy said of the man seated next to him, committee chairman Orrin Hatch. Nevertheless, Leahy said he was deeply concerned about Hatch’s plans to handle the president’s nominations for the federal courts. Leahy accused Hatch of trying to change the rules to go easier on George W. Bush’s choices than he had on Bill Clinton’s. He accused Hatch of trying to rush the process. And his normally soft voice rose to a near-shout as he vowed to protect “THE SENATE, IN ITS RULES AND ITS PRACTICES,” from Republican assault. As Leahy ranted, Hatch, visibly frustrated and angry at his close, dear friend’s tactics, sat silently, his arms folded across his chest.