Senate confirms controversial Obama judicial nominee

Following a low intensity floor-scuffle, the Senate confirmed Obama nominee Alison J. Nathan, 48-44, to serve as a United States District Judge for the Southern District of New York.

Several Republicans, including the former-ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Committee Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.), opposed the confirmation because they said she possessed only 11 years of experience and that she had indicated in writings she would not adhere strictly to the Constitution.

“I believe judges have to be bound and they are not free to impose their own view,” said Sessions drawing a contrast between his beliefs and his perception of Nathan.

Sessions also suggested that if she had greater experience on the bench perhaps her views would be different.

But Senate Judiciary Chairman Pat Leahy (D-Vt.) and Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) defended Nathan pointing out that several Bush nominees supported nearly unanimously by Senate Republicans had much less experience.

“She has tremendous legal experience albeit she is young,” said Schumer. “Are we going to have a different standard for Ali Nathan than other judges?”

Susan Owens Hickey was also confirmed to be United States District Judge for the Western District of Arkansas by a vote of 83-8.