Obama has plans for Asian-American judge: So does GOP

[usregimechange]

WASHINGTON — Goodwin Liu couldn't speak English until kindergarten, but he went on to become his high school's co-valedictorian, then a Rhodes Scholar and a law professor at the University of California, Berkeley.

Now he's under attack on Capitol Hill, where Republicans are opposing his nomination to the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco.

Liu, the son of Taiwanese immigrants, is attracting far more attention than most judicial nominees. While his backers are excited by his solidly liberal credentials, some of his opponents fear that President Barack Obama is preparing Liu for what would be a historic appointment: the first Asian-American on the U.S. Supreme Court.

"He's by far the most controversial nominee that Obama has named and he's clearly being groomed for the Supreme Court, so there's every reason to give him a full dose of scrutiny," said Curt Levey, executive director of the conservative Committee for Justice. "Look, he was picked because he's a darling of the left, and that's exactly the reason conservatives are up in arms about him."

Liu, now the associate dean of the law school at Berkeley, faces a difficult confirmation fight as the Senate Judiciary Committee prepares to take up his nomination. A hearing is set for April 16.

Liu has advocated many liberal causes, supporting national health care, affirmative action, gay marriage and slavery reparations. He angered conservatives by testifying against Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito. He's alarmed opponents by arguing that the Constitution should be interpreted based on "the evolving norms and traditions of our society," which conservatives say is code for judicial activism. His opposition to the death penalty drew fire from 42 of California's district attorneys, who sent a letter to the Senate Judiciary Committee urging Liu's rejection.

Read more: http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2010/04/07/91789/obama-has-plans-for-asian-american.html#ixzz0kTwjXbiQ


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[Bolo Boffin]

1. He's perfect for the 9th Circuit.

Well, I think he's perfect for the SCOTUS, too. But come on, the 9th? Where liberal judges go to build rope conservatives can use to hang them? It's amazing they'd object to Liu being there!

[usregimechange]

2. You know, I can't see all Republicans voting against cloture, its possible but...

Has Snowe or Collins ever filibustered a judicial nominee? Not that I can recall. They would have done it on Hamilton would they not?

http://whovotedhow.com/update-on-david-hamilton-vote/

[harry_pothead]

3. Anyone who a group of prosecutors opposes, I support.