More on the “rule of law” party:
“On Thursday, Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, one of the ‘gang of 14′ who sits on Judiciary, joined a so-called moot court session at the White House.”
The coaching session for Alito has raised a few eyebrows.
“Coaching a judicial nominee behind-the-scenes is not the proper role for a Judiciary Committee member who must subsequently sit in judgment on that nominee,” writes Think Progress, a project of the American Progress Action Fund. “It could be a violation of the ethical duties of a senator.”
Writing about the Alito situation, Think Progress cites Senate Rule 37 in the Senate Ethics Manual. The rule says: “No Member, officer, or employee shall engage in any outside business or professional activity or employment for compensation which is inconsistent or in conflict with the conscientious performance of official duties.”
Think Progress further cites the ethics manual, saying that language has been interpreted as prohibiting “compensated employment or uncompensated positions on boards, commissions, or advisory councils where such service could create a conflict with an individual’s Senate duties due to appropriation, oversight, authorization, or legislative jurisdiction as a result of Senate duties.”
If this is true, how can Graham make an impartial decision about Alito based on what he learns at the Alito hearings? Graham has already made up his mind.
John Aravosis has a post talking about the fact that Graham said as much this morning. I left the link to that story on his blog. I want everybody to know this.
Most of the Senators go into the hearings with their minds made up eventhough they all say I have an open mind. There is always a sliver of a chance that they will vote opposite of what you know their vote is likely to be.
Graham was already very supportive of Alito prior to sitting in on this session. I still think he can be fair.
However, this may be an ethics violation, even his mere presence and should be investigated.
I am one of his supporters and do not like the appearance of impropriety.
Judy, are you related to the photographer Antonin Kratochvil?
Izquierdo,
not that I am aware of, but anything is possible. LOL