Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-AL), Other Top Republicans, Skittish on Gay Nominee for Supreme Court

Sen. Jeff Sessions, other top Republican senators, skittish on the prospect of a gay Supreme Court nominee. Sessions says, "Americans might be uneasy."

Dean Kathleen Sullivan (left) and Stanford law Professor Pam Karlan (right)

It is absolutely amazing that the mainstream media and political pundits are analyzing the potential Supreme Court picks to replace Justice Stevens, who hasn't even retired yet. The Republicans are also proving once again that they are the biggest hypocrites. There is some consternation over the possibility of a gay Supreme Court justice, with Stanford Law Dean Kathleen Sullivan and Stanford law professor Pam Karlan. Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) said he was open to the idea of a gay justice, but "I’d have to think about that."  As long as it doesn’t interfere with their job, it’s not a particular issue.” Then the granddaddy of racial insensitivity, Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-AL), who happens to be a ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Committee said “don’t play identity politics” and that he was open to a gay nominee initially, but then backtracked, why am I not surprised?

Add Sen. John Thune (R-SD) to the mix. He said a gay nominee would be “a bridge too far.”

He said, “I know the administration is being pushed, but I think it would be a bridge too far right now,” said GOP Chief Deputy Whip John Thune. “It seems to me this first pick is going to be a kind of important one, and my hope is that he’ll play it a little more down the middle. A lot of people would react very negatively.”

Really? Couldn't that same argument be made about an Asian or Arab Supreme Court pick? Gee, that explains why the Republicans gave Justice Sonia Sotomayor such a hard time during her confirmation hearings. Could we just let Justice Stevens retire before the vitriol starts? The reality is a gay Supreme Court justice couldn't change laws in this country on her own and what does one's sexual orientation have to do with the role of SCOTUS? For those of you who have forgotten what the role of the highest court is, CLICK HERE.



Read my commentary on Sen. Jeff Sessions' questionable racist past and the confirmation of Justice Sonia Sotomayor, CLICK HERE.