You might not agree with Newt Gingrich’s statements about the federal court system, but the politics involved in the nomination process for federal judgeships is downright repugnant. This week the Washington corruption came in the flavor of nepotism, as it was revealed that the White House quietly nominated Sen. Charles Schumer's (D-NY) brother-in-law to a life-long federal judgeship in New Jersey.
Schumer’s brother-in-law, Kevin McNulty, married to Schumer's sister, Fran, was named to the federal bench by the Obama administration late on Friday the 16th of December. The statement released by the Obama administration states that President Obama believes McNulty is a "distinguished individual" who "will serve the American people with integrity and a steadfast commitment to justice." Translation: “Chuck Schumer is my Pit Bull in the Senate and I’ll pat him on the head or rub his belly if it’ll keep him chewing on Republicans this election year. If nominating what’s-his-name will keep Chuck in line, consider it done!”
Schumer’s nudge-nudge was quickly followed by New Jersey's two Democrat US senators, Frank Lautenberg and Robert Menendez, quickly falling in line and singing the praises of the nominee.
Truth can be an ugly adversary. Facts came out this week that McNulty is 57 years-old, wasn’t Lautenberg’s first choice and at the last minute Lautenburg suddenly submitted McNulty's name to the White House. While Lautenberg and his staff have remained silent on the sudden about-face, you can be sure that Chucky Schumer put some considerable pressure on him. McNulty had never been mentioned for the opening on the bench, yet out-of-the-blue Schumer’s brother-in-law is now in line for a lifetime position and a $174,000-a-year salary; not a bad retirement plan for those with the right connections. Boy the stench in Washington gets ever stronger.
One person involved in the nomination process voice some quiet thoughts as to why Lautenberg made the 180 degree change in direction, "No one knows why he did it. Everyone thinks it's all about 2014 and Frank making sure he has Chuck in his corner."
You do realize we pay people to do these kind of underhanded backroom dealings, right?
With the White House behind the choice and the Democrats with a majority in the Senate, it’s likely that McNulty will sail through the judiciary committee review. While Republicans have voiced displeasure with Schumer’s family favors, they aren’t likely to pull-out their only weapon and squash the nomination. Why would they? It’s quite likely that the Republicans will pull the same type of special favors for their friends, families or donors.
Term limits anyone?
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