On January 7, President Bush turned a blind eye to the lessons learned from the recent controversy caused by Senator Trent Lott’s remarks about the South’s segregationist past, and renominated Charles Pickering Sr. and Priscilla Owen to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit. His decision demonstrates a flagrant disregard for the civil and constitutional rights of working men and women.

Pickering and Owen were defeated by the Senate Judiciary Committee last year because of their controversial and destructive records on civil rights and other issues. It is astonishing and outrageous that Bush would ignore that defeat and invite further controversy with their renomination.

Bush’s first group of 31 nominees shows that this Administration cares less about nominating moderate, consensus judges and is intent on packing the courts with extremist judges who threaten to roll back workers’ rights and civil rights, and whose views are outside the mainstream on issues of importance to working families.

Working men and women depend on a fair and balanced judiciary. We call on the president to consult with senators and nominate a more moderate, consensus group of nominees who represent the values of America’s working families.

Contact: Suzanne Ffolkes (202) 637-5018