Opposition to judicial nominee is purely political

Regarding the April 13 editorial “Set the Standard: Pa.’s Senators Should Cooperate on Judgeships”: Wondering why the American people’s faith in our public institutions is at a historic low? Look no further than the ugliness surrounding the nomination of highly qualified Pittsburgh attorney David J. Porter to the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

Despite having impeccable credentials, special interest groups like Why Courts Matter PA are demanding that Mr. Porter’s nomination not even receive the courtesy of a confirmation hearing.

Besides contributing to our governmental dysfunction, judicial vacancies weaken Americans’ ability to pursue justice in our federal courts.

Unfortunately, Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa., is taking his cues from these groups in arguing that Mr. Porter is “outside the mainstream.”

But Mr. Porter enjoys the support of a wide spectrum of groups, including the National Association of Black Law Enforcement Executives and the Pittsburgh Fire Fighters Local No. 1. In fact, President Barack Obama even considered nominating Mr. Porter to the federal courts.

The real reason Mr. Porter’s nomination is being opposed is purely political.

Until recently, Mr. Casey could have blocked Mr. Porter’s nomination by himself. But thanks to changes in the Senate’s “blue slip” process — a senatorial courtesy that allowed senators to block judicial nominees from their home states — partisan gridlock is easing. This was done not for “short-term” advantage but to ensure that Americans don’t have to wait unnecessarily to obtain justice in the federal courts.

Pennsylvanians deserve better than being pawns in an ugly game of partisan politics. ASHLEY KLINGENSMITH Grassroots Director Americans for Prosperity — PA Wormleysburg, Pa.