Democrats confront Texas nominee to federal appeals court
Democratic U.S. senators unleashed a flurry of tough questions during Wednesday’s confirmation hearing for Andy Oldham, the top legal adviser to Gov. Greg Abbott nominated to a lifetime seat on a federal appeals court.
Oldham responded with cautious answers and frequently declined to discuss specific controversies, including queries on whether discrimination against voters is a continuing problem and whether racism pervades the criminal justice system, saying it would be improper for a judicial nominee to address political matters.
Oldham also brushed aside questions about legal arguments and speeches he had made as Abbott’s general counsel and, before that, as a lawyer in the Texas attorney general’s office, saying his actions as an advocate would have no impact on his performance as a judge.
The approach frustrated several Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee, which will vote in the coming weeks on Oldham’s nomination to the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Approval by the full Senate also is necessary.
Read more: https://www.statesman.com/news/local/democrats-confront-texas-nominee-federal-appeals-court/vnhkXSsZPfH8dvB8rBjgyH/