led the federal judiciary with great dignity and clarity ... Through it all, he displayed honor and conviction, a love of the law and a love for his country.
I have no confidence he will serve as a real check on abuse of power so expansive with this administration. President Bush continues to believe he is above the law ... No one is above the law and we need a strong federal judiciary to protect against this abuse.
I urge the White House to reconsider this initial decision, and to work cooperatively with Judiciary Committee Democrats so that the Senate can do its job more effectively,