WASHINGTON—After reports that Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO) returned his blue slip for the nomination of Colorado Supreme Court Justice Allison Eid to the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals, People For the American Way Executive Vice President Marge Baker released the following statement:
“Judges’ decisions profoundly affect Americans’ lives—and blue slips are a critical tool for Senators to ensure that those judges have the right temperament and qualifications for the job. By refusing to return his blue slip, Senator Bennet could have singlehandedly prevented President Trump from installing yet another extreme and unfit nominee to a lifetime position on the federal bench. Instead, he gave into bullying by far-right ideologues and capitulated to Trump’s extreme agenda.
“There is absolutely no reason for Senators to turn in blue slips without proper time and consideration for the reviewing process. Allison Eid has spent her career amassing an ideological and partisan record that renders her completely unfit for a lifetime seat on a federal court of appeals. Senator Bennet could have taken a stand against that kind of extremism. Instead of standing up for Colorado, Bennet has capitulated to the Trump administration and it’s right-wing takeover of our appellate courts.
“Anyone who cares about our courts should be profoundly disappointed by Senator Bennet’s decision.”
People For the American Way is a progressive advocacy organization founded to fight right-wing extremism and defend constitutional values including free expression, religious liberty, equal justice under the law, and the right to meaningfully participate in our democracy.
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