NARAL Pro-Choice America on Michael Boggs Lacking Judiciary Committee Support Needed for Confirmation

Today, the New York Times reported that Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT), chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, said that Michael Boggs could not muster the votes necessary to win the committee’s support and proceed to consideration before the full Senate. He would be the first judicial candidate nominated by President Obama to fail because of Democratic opposition.

Said Ilyse Hogue, president of NARAL Pro-Choice America:

“We echo Sen. Leahy’s call for Michael Boggs to withdraw his nomination. As we’ve said from the moment his nomination became public, Boggs lacks both credibility and a demonstrated commitment to equal justice under the law—qualities necessary for a lifetime appointment to the federal bench.

“As more information about his record on choice, civil rights, and LGBT equality came to light, support for his nomination became a political liability for any senator who hopes to maintain their constituents’ support.

“Women understand that judges who respect women, their constitutional rights, and their ability to make their own decisions, are an important line of defense against overzealous politicians who often advance anti-choice laws that defy established protections for women.

“Boggs’ record of support for discriminatory and callous measures affecting the lives women, communities of color, and LGBT Americans during his time in the state legislature makes clear that he is unfit to serve as a federal judge. His nomination has faced an unprecedented wave of opposition from the moment of its announcement, and he should withdraw his name from consideration.”

Seven in ten Americans support a woman’s right to choose. New polling shows that women who support choice will be pivotal in the midterm elections this November, with seventy percent of drop off women voters stating that reproductive rights issues are a motivating factor.