Judge Thomas's nomination yesterday got a restrained reaction from many Senate Democrats. President Bush's nomination of conservative black federal judge Clarence Thomas to the Supreme Court invites a vigorous fight in the Senate. Although Thomas is smart, tough and speaks powerfully about overcoming racism and poverty in the deep south, his strong opposition to affirmative action raises questions with liberals. The Senate Judiciary Committee will hold hearings on Thomas' confirmation next week, but it could be months before he gets an up-or-down vote. Although Thomas has not committed himself on the issue of abortion, abortion-rights groups are likely to be concerned about the fact that Thomas is Catholic and once considered entering the priesthood. There is also the issue of Thomas's very limited judicial experience.
President Bush's nomination of conservative black federal judge Clarence Thomas to the Supreme Court invites a vigorous fight in the Senate. Although Thomas is smart, tough and speaks powerfully about overcoming racism and poverty in the deep south, his strong opposition to affirmative action raises questions with liberals. The Senate Judiciary Committee will hold hearings on Thomas' confirmation next week, but it could be months before he gets an up-or-down vote. Although Thomas has not committed himself on the issue of abortion, abortion-rights groups are likely to be concerned about the fact that Thomas is Catholic and once considered entering the priesthood. There is also the issue of Thomas's very limited judicial experience.