Pickled Pickering

Are those who forget history doomed to repeat it? As senators and their staffs prepare for warfare over judicial nominees, an exclusive inside look at what's likely in the fire next time | Joe Maxwell

The moment political junkies have awaited all year is coming soon. When GOP leaders renew their push for the confirmation of Judge Priscilla Owen and Judge Janice Rogers Brown, two circuit court nominees already approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee, left-wing interest groups will have to decide how vigorously to wag the Democratic dog.

That they can wag the dog is evident in the treatment in 2001 of Charles Pickering, an early Bush nominee to the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals. Judge Pickering's resumé seemed impeccable—No. 1 in his law school class; successful lawyer; groundbreaking civil-rights and religious leader; bridge-building politician; respected district court judge.

Until mid-October of 2001 his confirmation seemed like a slam dunk, with a strongly positive review from the American Bar Association and apparent approval from Judiciary Committee chairman Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.).