Nominee for Justice is blocked in Senate

The Washington Times ^ | May 9, 2011 | Sean Lengell

[Scanian]

Senate Republicans blocked a nomination by President Obama for the first time this year on Monday, when they successfully filibustered the confirmation of the White House’s pick for the No. 2 official at the Justice Department.

Democrats had argued that acting Deputy Attorney General James Cole, whom Mr. Obama wanted named to the post permanently, needed full congressional backing if intelligence from terrorist mastermind Osama bin Laden’s killing is to be fully put to use.

But Republicans objected to Mr. Cole, largely over concerns about his suggestions that terrorist suspects should be tried in civilian criminal courts, not military tribunals.

“Mr. Cole unfortunately stands by really the outdated, outmoded characterization that these terrorist attacks were ordinary crimes, which they are something much worse indeed,” said Sen. John Cornyn, Texas Republican.

“The American people want a Department of Justice that is committed to enforcing the law and protecting the innocent, not creating new civil rights for terrorists or treating them as ordinary criminals when they are something else indeed.”

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, Nevada Democrat, had used a parliamentary tactic intended to overcome GOP resistance of Mr. Cole. The cloture motion limited debate, but also required the OK of at least 60 senators before the nomination could proceed toward a final vote. Democrats control 53 of the Senate’s 100 seats.

[newzjunkey]

I can see why Cole is unwanted. This idea that terrorism should be treated as a law enforcement issue was discredited under the Clinton administration. Why the Left continues to pursue that failed policy is beyond understanding.

Holder was in France promising again to close Gitmo and move them to civilian prisons stateside. Politico has the story

[Mmogamer]

Because it’s contrary to the repubs; if it had been a repub
thought that it was an ordinary crime they’d be for gitmo.

[Mouton]

Next in line for a recess appointment...the king will have his due.

[Flintlock]

Not ANOTHER leftwing crazy for the leftwing crazy ‘justice’ dept.