A message from Bishop Rene Henry Gracida, emeritus of Corpus Christi, Texas:
The euphoria we felt Tuesday night and Wednesday morning was cut short by the outrageous remarks made by newly reelected Pennsylvania Senator Arlen Specter at his press conference on Wednesday. Specter warned President Bush “to be mindful of the considerations which I am mentioning.” The “considerations” Specter mentioned were that “Bush’s conservative judicial picks” would not be confirmed.
Specter is in line to become the Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee in January. As Chairman he would largely control the confirmation process for the President’s judicial nominees. Specter voted against the confirmation of Judge Bork and the impeachment of President Clinton. He is supported by NARAL. He must not become the next Chairman.
Before January Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist will pick the Chairman of the Judiciary Committee. Specter has the seniority that would normally entitle him to be named the Chairman. But, Senator Bill Frist has the power the waive the Senate Rules and appoint someone else as Chairman. Arlen Specter MUST NOT become the Chairman and be in a position to negate all that has been accomplished in the election of President Bush.
Now is the time for all good men and women to come to the aid of their Country.
Send a message to Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist by telephone (202-22-3344), email (.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)), mail (461 Dirksen Senate Office Building / Wahington, DC 20510) or FAX (202-228-1264) along the following lines:
Senator Arlen Specter must not be appointed Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee. You have the power to waive the Senate seniority rule and to appoint someone else. Do not let the election victory of President Bush be endangered by the appointment of Senator Specter who has already warned the President not to appoint conservative judges.
The time to act is NOW!
