Nominated by Obama, then slowly skewered by Democrats
Washington (CNN) Senate Democrats pushed back en masse against one of President Barack Obamas federal court nominees on Thursday, questioning Michael Boggs of Georgia about his past statements and beliefs about abortion, gay marriage and the Confederate flag.
Boggs is now a Georgia Court of Appeals judge, but his Senate Judiciary confirmation hearing focused on votes and statements from when he served as a conservative Democrat in the George state legislature, from 2000-2004.
You supported legislation that required doctors to report online (if they conduct abortions) and the number of abortions they conduct, Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Connecticut, recounted to Boggs at his confirmation hearing. Was that a mistake?
Boggs replied yes, that he now sees the vote was a mistake and that he didnt consider the threats made to doctors who perform abortions.
Looking back, Boggs replied, I regret that vote and I fully recognize the public safety risk.
Democrats were unconvinced and pressed him again and again on whether he believes key U.S. Supreme Court decisions upholding a womens abortion and contraceptive rights are stare decisis or settled law. Boggs answered that he did.
The deeply-held Democratic doubts about a Democratic nominee were only the most visible part of the plotline. Boggs was part of a seven-nominee agreement in which the White House and Republicans agreed to a package deal for a mix of more liberal and conservative judicial candidates.
Liberal interest groups cried foul over the deal, with NARAL Pro-Choice America, the National Organization for Women and the Human Rights Campaign stridently opposing Boggs nomination.
In the hearing, he tried to draw a hard line between his opinions as a state lawmaker and his rulings as a judge. Several Democrats asked whether he still opposes same-sex marriage.
My position on (same-sex marriage), it may or may not have changed as many peoples have, he said, notably adding, My position has never had any import on how Id decide cases.
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Nominated by Obama, then slowly skewered by Democrats