National Organization for Women

June 6, 2007

Senator Patrick J. Leahy
United States Senate
433 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510

Dear Senator Leahy:

The National Organization for Women strongly opposes the nomination of Leslie Southwick to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. We urge you to oppose this nomination both in the Judiciary Committee and on the floor of the Senate.

Judge Southwick has a disturbing record and an appalling lack of sensitivity on women's rights, racial justice, and discrimination based on sexual orientation. He demonstrates the usual Bush nominee bias toward big business and against consumers and individuals.

In the 2006 election, the voters clearly rejected right wing extremism. The National Organization for Women expects that those Senators who were elected by the votes of women will take their "advise and consent" role seriously and not put our rights in jeopardy by confirming such an individual to one of the highest courts in the land.

As we have learned from many past judicial battles, a "yes" vote in committee which allows a nomination to reach the floor of the Senate is tantamount to a vote for confirmation regardless of a subsequent "no" vote on the floor. We urge you to stand firm and to vote to stop this nomination in its tracks - in the Judiciary committee.

Sincerely,

Kim Gandy
NOW President

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