Wednesday, November 4, 2009
2:59 PM
Feingold, Kohl praise Butler nomination at Judiciary hearing
U.S. Sens. Russ Feingold and Herb Kohl praised former Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Louis Butler today as his nomination for the federal bench in Madison was heard by the Senate Judiciary Committee.
"Justice Butler not only has an impressive legal background, but he is a fine man," Kohl said as he introduced Butler to the committee. "He possesses all the best qualities that we look for in a judge: intelligence, diligence, humility and integrity."
Feingold quoted Butler writing once that "because I am dedicated to achieving equal justice for all people, including the downtrodden and those who lack resources. I embrace the sentiment that injustice to anyone is intolerable and that everyone should have access to the courts and a right to be heard."
"Mr. Chairman, I believe these words are a very appropriate calling card for a United States District Court judge, and I strongly support Justice Butler's nomination," Feingold said.
No vote was scheduled Wednesday upon the conclusion of the first phase of Butler's confirmation hearing. But barring opposition by members of the Judiciary Committee, Butler could be confirmed by the panel as early as mid-November. Following committee confirmation, Butler's nomination would proceed to the Senate floor for a full vote of the chamber.
Phase two of Butler's confirmation process is expected to get underway the next time the Judiciary Committee meets in executive session. Because the Senate next week is scheduled be in recess from Nov. 11 to Nov. 13 for Veteran's Day, the earliest that could occur is the week of Nov. 15.
Republicans could decide to hold the nomination over for an additional week, which is standard operating procedure for whichever party is in the minority and does not necessarily reflect on the nominee. That would delay the vote until after Thanksgiving.
Because there is a backlog of Obama nominees on the Senate floor, it remains unclear when Butler would receive a final confirmation vote, should he be approved by the Judiciary Committee.
- David M. Drucker
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