DON’T CONFIRM TRUMP’S EXTREME, UNQUALIFIED JUDICIAL NOMINATIONS
Fearing Democratic takeover of Senate, the GOP is pushing to confirm as many of Trump’s poorly vetted, extreme, unqualified judges before midterms. Having abandoned venerable Senate practices—ABA vetting, honoring blue slips, considering nominees separately, requiring full disclosure of activities—nominees are voted out of committee without adequate investigation of their qualifications.
This week, McConnell is forcing Senate votes on following problematic appellate court nominees:
- Michael Brennan (7thCircuit): not supported by Wisconsin’s nominating commission and one senator’s blue slip; opposes women’s rights, LGBTQ equality; wouldn’t admit implied racial bias in court system
- Kurt Engelhardt (5th Circuit): member Federalist Society and Louisiana Lawyers for Life; troubling positions on sexual harassment, prosecutorial misconduct, LGBTQ rights
- Joel Carson III (10th Circuit): life-long advocate for oil/gas industry; membership in groups pushing extreme viewpoints
- John Nalbandian (6th Circuit): Federalist Society member; anti-voting rights record
And, over our Senators’ objections, the Judiciary Committee is still considering Ryan Bounds: undisclosed “inflammatory writings” about sexual assault, workers, people of color and LGBTQ community should preclude lifetime appointment to Ninth Circuit.
Let’s thank Senators Merkley and Wyden for their principled positions. And, let’s help defeat Senators seeking re-election who support these nominations.
Meanwhile, we will never forget that . . .
Greg Walden Sold Us Out!
**ACTION ONE: CALL YOUR SENATORS**
“My name is [–] and I’m a constituent and voter from [city], Oregon [zip code]. I am calling because the Republican Senate is pushing to confirm as many of Trump’s poorly vetted, extreme, unqualified judges as it can before the midterms. I oppose the appointments of Michael Brennen, Kurt Engelhardt, Joel Carson III, and John Nalbandian who are being rushed to a Senate vote. I echo the Senator’s concerns over Ryan Bounds who is being considered by the Judiciary Committee over the Senator’s objections. Please thank the Senator for continuing to fight the GOP’s attempts to change the rules and pack the courts unqualified judges. I ask that the Senator also work to convince his more reasonable colleagues to reassert the Senate’s role, to ‘advise and consent,’ preventing Trump’s nominees from destroying many of the values that they also hold dear. Thank you.”
**ACTION TWO: DON’T FORGET WALDEN SOLD US OUT. GOTV!**
It has become clear that we need a different Congress to restore the moral integrity of our government!
That means replacing Greg Walden with someone who will put
People Before Party!
VOTE in the Primary for the progressive candidates of your choice. Be sure you and all of your progressive friends return their ballots by May 15—people who vote in the primary are EIGHT TIMES more likely to vote in the general election!
Don’t forget to VOTE the ENTIRE BALLOT! In Jackson County, we have two progressive women running for County Commissioner—Lanita Witt and Amy Thuren. Let’s get progressive voices into ALL LEVELS of Government!
Help us Get Out the Vote—GOTV!
If you are not already working with the Neighborhood Leader Program to GOTV, sign up by visiting:
http://www.jcdemocrats.org/get-involved/neighborhood-leaders-program/
It really is that simple. And guess what? By doing that simple thing you will help increase voter turnout significantly. In the Oregon January 2018 Measure 101 Election progressive voter turnout was increased by 34 points! That’s how elections are won!
If you are already participating, recruit five of your friends to join the program!
The 2018 elections will be the most important of our lives! To save democracy and protect our commitment to a just society, no one can afford to sit on the sidelines. You can make a difference. Every vote counts!
TRUMP ENABLER GREG WALDEN
DC (202) 225-6730, Medford: (541) 776-4646,
Bend (541) 389-4408, La Grande (541) 624-2400
https://walden.house.gov/contact-greg/email-me
SENATOR JEFF MERKLEY
Portland: (503) 326-3386, DC: (202) 224-3753
Salem: (503) 362-8102, Eugene: (541) 465-6750
Medford: (541) 608-9102, Bend: (541) 318-1298
Pendleton: (541) 278-1129
https://www.merkley.senate.gov/contact/
SENATOR RON WYDEN
Portland: (503) 326-7525, DC: (202) 224-5244
Salem: (503) 589-4555, Eugene: (541) 431-0229
Medford: (541) 858-5122, Bend: (541) 330-9142
La Grande: (541) 960-7691
https://www.wyden.senate.gov/contact/