Majority leader defends anti-filibuster effort

WASHINGTON – Majority Leader Bill Frist said Sunday it was not “radical” to ask senators to vote on judicial nominees, as he hardened his effort to strip Democrats of power to stall President Bush’s picks for the federal court.

Speaking at an event organized by Christian groups who support an end to judicial filibusters, Frist also said judges deserve “respect, not retaliation,” no matter how they rule.

The Tennessee Republican made no overt mention of religion in the brief address, according to a text of his videotaped remarks.

Instead, Frist seemed intent on steering clear of views expressed by House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, R-Texas, and other conservatives in and out of Congress who have urged investigations and even possible impeachment of judges they describe as activists.

“Our judiciary must be independent, impartial and fair,” Frist said. “When we think judicial decisions are outside mainstream American values, we will say so. But we must also be clear that the balance of power among all three branches requires respect – not retaliation. I won’t go along with that.”

Frist has threatened to take action that would shut down the Democrats’ practice of subjecting a small number of judicial appointees to filibusters. Barring a last-minute compromise, a showdown is expected in spring or summer.

“I don’t think it’s radical to ask senators to vote – I don’t think it’s radical to expect senators to fulfill their constitutional responsibilities,” said Frist, whom Democrats have accused of engaging in “radical Republican” politics.

While a majority of the Senate is sufficient to confirm a judge, it takes 60 votes under Senate rules to overcome a filibuster and force a final vote.

Democrats blocked 10 appointments in Bush’s first term. The president has renominated seven of the 10 since he won re-election, and Democrats have threatened to filibuster them again.