Durbin: Nay on Roberts

So the Senate Judiciary Committee confirmed John Roberts yesterday for Chief Justice. Not surprising, given that the Republicans hold ten of the eighteen spots on the committee. Even less surprising was the fact that the Republicans voted firmly along party lines, with all ten voting Yea. But what's troubling is the fact that three of the eight Democrats broke ranks and voted for Roberts.

Nay
Dianne Feinstein (CA)
Joseph Biden (DE)
Edward Kennedy (MA)
Charles Schumer (NY)
Dick Durbin (IL)

Yea
Patrick Leahy (VT)
Herbert Kohl (WI)
Russ Feingold (WI)

So much for the idea that Feingold is the next great liberal hero. Unless the Democrats extracted the administration's solemn vow to nominate a moderate to replace O'Connor, I really can't understand Leahy and Feingold's thinking. The fact that the Democrats still can't present a unified front against Bush's policies, despite their small numbers in Washington, is very disconcerting.

Dick Durbin is to be commended for taking a stand against Roberts. And I'm heartened to hear Barack Obama say he'll vote against Roberts as well. ("When I examined Judge Roberts' record, and history of public service, it is my estimation that he has far more often used his formidable skills on behalf of the strong in opposition to the weak," Obama said.) We're in pretty good hands here in Illinois.