UPDATE: Senator Boxer, while opposed to the Southwick nomination, was not present for the cloture and confirmation votes on the floor of Senate.

At least one of California’s Senators is doing the right thing and voting against Southwick’s confirmation. Thank you, Senator Boxer!

The Fifth Circuit serves one of the most racially diverse regions in the country, and frequently hears critical civil rights cases. It is especially important, therefore, that a nominee to this court possess an unshakable commitment to equal justice and a willingness to protect the rights of groups such as minorities, workers, and consumers.

Unfortunately, President Bush has chosen a nominee who favors business interests over the interests of ordinary Americans and displays little regard for issues faced by minority communities. As a Mississippi state court judge, Mr. Southwick upheld a ruling that reinstated a state employee who used a racial slur, and in another case, found the sexual orientation of a mother to be a deciding factor in denying her custody of her child.

I am deeply disappointed that President Bush has once again attempted to fill the Fifth Circuit vacancy with a nominee holding views far to the right of most Americans.

Mr. Southwick’s nomination was approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee on August 2, 2007 and will soon be considered by the entire Senate. Be assured that I will only support nominees who will safeguard the rights and freedoms of all Americans, and I do not support Mr. Southwick’s nomination.