“In confirming Leslie H. Southwick to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, the United States Senate today turned its back on all those who rely on the courts to protect their rights under the law.  His record is peppered with rulings that are deeply disturbing and raise serious questions about whether he will treat racial, ethnic and other minorities fairly when they come before him.  There are more racial and ethnic minorities living in the Fifth Circuit than any other, and they deserve better than an Appeals Court Judge with a poor commitment to equal rights.  Judge Southwick should not have been confirmed.

President Bush has allowed political ideology to guide his judicial appointments, and the nation is much worse off because of it.  We urge the Senate not to confirm any more nominees who cannot be trusted to protect women, minorities, workers and others when they face discrimination or their rights are undermined.”