Daniel Herbster reporting
Probably the greatest long-term issue facing our nation is the nomination and confirmation of well-qualified, originalist judges and justices to federal benches. One organization seeking to ensure that happens is the Judicial Confirmation Network. It is my privilege to interview my friend and colleague Gary Marx who is the Executive Director of JCN.
DH: Gary, thanks for taking the time to answer our questions. Let’s start with a general question. Why is the issue of judges so important?
GM: I think that judicial selection is still the most powerful all encompassing issue for conservatives. There will be times where an issue like immigration will become red-hot but a judge can come along and single handedly ignore the constitution and the law at will and impose their own view of immigration laws upon a state or the nation. Conservatives now understand that no matter whether you are a social, economic, or national security conservative we all unite around the need to have judges who will be faithful to the text of the constitution. Conservatives understand just how the Supreme Court and constitutionalist judges impact our children and grand children. Supreme Court nominations are perhaps the longest lasting legacy of every U.S. president.
DH: How is the Judicial Confirmation Network involved in this issue?
GM: During the Roberts and Alito confirmation battles, the Judicial Confirmation Network built a network or grassroots leaders in key states to pressure Senators to support a fair up-or-down vote and confirm these constitutionalist judicial nominees.
DH: How would you describe a good justice or judge? What kinds of characteristics or qualities define a solid judicial nominee?