Senator reportedly holds up nominee

[Judi Lynn]

Dec. 15, 2004, 11:08PM

Senator reportedly holds up nominee
Perry is said to want Willett for Texas' high court
By JANET ELLIOTT
Copyright 2004 Houston Chronicle



Sen. Gonzalo Barrientos


AUSTIN - Gov. Rick Perry's choice to fill a vacancy on the Texas Supreme Court apparently is being held up by the nominee's local senator.

Three sources told the Houston Chronicle that more than a month ago, Perry settled on Don R. Willett, a top assistant to Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott and a former adviser to President Bush on faith-based initiatives.

But Willett's nomination ran into trouble when it was presented to Sen. Gonzalo Barrientos, an Austin Democrat. Under the tradition of senatorial courtesy, gubernatorial appointments that must be confirmed by the Senate initially are run by the nominee's hometown senator. Objections by that senator can scuttle a nomination.

Barrientos did not return a call seeking comment Wednesday.
(snip/...)

http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/metropolitan/2949724




Poor Perry.

Good for Senator Barrientos.

[Judi Lynn]

1. Kick for Texas Democratic Senator Gonzalo Barrientos

[mbperrin]

2. Thank you, Senator! We don't need more of THESE:

Prior to his appointment by Abbott, Willett served in the U.S. Department of Justice, where he assisted with Bush's judicial appointees, including that of Texas Supreme Court Justice Priscilla Owen, whose nomination has been held up by a Senate filibuster.

[0007]

3. These were the good old days!

What can I say?

[amber dog democrat]

4. sometimes Gonzalo does something that impresses me

Score one for the good guys.