LET'S GET READY TO RUMBLE :

Debate on Court Nominee Centers on Abortion (NEIL A. LEWIS, July 22, 2002, NY Times)

The White House is heading toward a confrontation with Senate Democrats and their allies in liberal advocacy groups over President Bush's effort to give a federal appeals court seat to a conservative state judge from Texas with a strong judicial record opposing abortion.

When Justice Priscilla Owen of the Texas Supreme Court appears before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday, her confirmation hearing will be the latest display of the the continuing battle between Mr. Bush and the Democrats who control the Senate over the ideological shape of the federal courts. [...]

Justice Owen is expected to be closely questioned about her dissenting opinions in cases interpreting a Texas law that allows teenagers to seek a judicial bypass; that is, a court's permission for an abortion without having to tell their parents. The law provides that a minor can obtain a judicial bypass if she demonstrates that she is well informed, mature and would suffer if she informed her parents.

This is a great fight for the GOP to pick. First, the nominee is a woman. Second, it puts Democrats in a position of defending one of the most objectionable abortion practices--letting teens get abortions without parental permission. This is a fight Republicans can win and should eagerly emnbrace. Posted by Orrin Judd at July 22, 2002 11:12 AM