[News-releases] NOW Encourages Full Senate to Vote Down Owen Nomination

NOW Press Office
202-628-8669 Rebecca Farmer, x 116
202-785-8576 (fax) 

NOW Encourages Full Senate to Vote Down Owen Nomination

March 27, 2003

"Women's rights supporters are disappointed at the Senate Judiciary
Committee's vote on the nomination of Priscilla Owen to the U.S. Court of
Appeals for the Fifth Circuit," said National Organizationfor Women (NOW)
President Kim Gandy. "This vote is an insult to every person who believes
in a fair and independent judiciary." The ten Republicans on the Judiciary
Committee voted to approve Owen's re-nomination, while the nine Democrats
voted against. 

Texas Supreme Court Justice Priscilla Owen, whose appointment was rejected
by this committee last year, is one of George W. Bush's most controversial
nominees for the federal bench. "We've seen Judge Owen use the courtroom to
further her narrow beliefs and ideals, going so far as to virtually rewrite
laws rather than fairly interpret them," Gandy said. "The last thing the
Fifth Circuit needs is more judges who can't leave their political
ideologies at the door." 

"Owen's penchant for judicial activism may have earned her two nominations
from Bush to the Fifth Circuit, but it should not win her a seat on the
Court of Appeals," Gandy said. "No matter how many times Bush nominates
her, Priscilla Owen continues to be unfit for a lifetime seat on the court
that is only one step below the Supreme Court."

"NOW thanks the brave senators who have held strong in their commitment to
oppose other unworthy Bush nominees, such as Miguel Estrada," Gandy said.
"Women's right supporters across the country encourage senators to continue
taking their advice and consent power very seriously. The nomination of
Priscilla Owen must not be approved by the full Senate."

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