Texas Democratic Party: Moving Texas Forward

In August, the United States Senate confirmed Justice Sonia Sotomayor’s nomination to serve on our nation’s highest court. By voting against the first Hispanic and third woman to serve on the Supreme Court, the real KBH chose to pander to the extreme right wing of her party instead of voting to confirm a jurist of unquestionable character.

In 1993 Sen. Hutchison told the Dallas Morning News she would support any judge – even someone who was pro-choice – if the nominee was qualified. She went on to say that she “would only vote against a Supreme Court nominee if there was a question of character, if the person was unfit for office or unqualified for office.” (Source: Dallas Morning News, May 20, 1993)

In 2009, the real KBH chose to play politics instead, and reneged on her commitment to avoid applying a “litmus test” to any Supreme Court nominee.  Apparently, KBH decided it was in her political interest to deliver a slap to the face to the first Latina Justice, a woman with more federal judicial experience than any nominee in more than a century.

• Hutchison voted to confirm President Bush’s nominee, Justice Samuel Alito, to the Supreme Court, adding that “Judge Alito’s professional experience, personal character and commitment to the fair application of the law will help ensure the integrity of our judicial system.” (Source: KTEN) Yet after KBH met with President Obama’s nominee, her concern was no longer a “question of character” but about being “troubled by some of her judicial opinions and how her previous statements might impact future decisions.” (Source: U.S. Senate)

• In October 2005, KBH’s fellow Republican Senator Arlen Specter, then Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, said of President Bush’s nominee Harriet Miers, “She needs a crash course in constitutional law.” Despite Harriet Miers’ complete lack of judicial experience coming under fire by both parties, KBH dismissed the criticism stating, “I think we need to talk about her qualifications and her background and the diversity that she brings to the Court in both geography, background and experience, gender, of course.” (Source: NBC’s Meet the Press)

When it comes to Supreme Court confirmations, the real KBH is a case study in hypocrisy, and her crass partisan vote against Justice Sotomayor showed an utter disregard for her extraordinary qualifications and mastery of the law. The record shows that the real KBH is just another career politician who is more interested in catering to the extreme right wing of her party than supporting supremely qualified nominees to the United States Supreme Court.

Next: #2: The Real KBH… Leaves Our Children Behind

Previous: #4: The Real KBH… Profits For Special Interest Cronies, Republican Politics As Usual For Texans

To read more about the real KBH, visit the TDP’s “Who is the Real KBH?” campaign by clicking here.