; "Requiring a nominee to pass an ideological 'litmus test' would seriously jeopardize the efficacy and independence of the federal judiciary," Thurmond said. Clarence Thomas, black conservative nominated to replace Justice Thurgood Marshall, went before the Senate Judiciary Committee today with the committee sharply divided as to whether or not the nominee should be quizzed on his views on specific issues which might affect decisions. Democrats Biden, Kohl, Kennedy, Leahy, and Metzenbaum indicated that they would probe for Thomas's thinking on natural law, abortion, privacy, civil rights, affirmative action, his attitude towards Congress and other subjects. The hearing was a chance for senators to get an idea of how Thomas sees the role of judges in American society, but it also served as a forum for Republicans who are trying to block President Obama's
Clarence Thomas, black conservative nominated to replace Justice Thurgood Marshall, went before the Senate Judiciary Committee today with the committee sharply divided as to whether or not the nominee should be quizzed on his views on specific issues which might affect decisions. Democrats Biden, Kohl, Kennedy, Leahy, and Metzenbaum indicated that they would probe for Thomas's thinking on natural law, abortion, privacy, civil rights, affirmative action, his attitude towards Congress and other subjects. The hearing was a chance for senators to get an idea of how Thomas sees the role of judges in American society, but it also served as a forum for Republicans who are trying to block President Obama's