Week In Review 6-26-2020

Our country reached a milestone this week, but we won't be celebrating. The Senate confirmed President Trump's 200th judge. He has already filled nearly 30 percent of federal appeals court seats. Just one of Trump's 53 confirmed appeals court judges is Hispanic and none are Black. His lack of commitment to diversity is consistent with his overall values.

 

Trump's judges are associated with the Federalist Society, a nationwide organization of conservative lawyers, which has wielded undue power and influence in selecting judges. These judges, who serve for life, are also young. The average age for Trump appointees is ten years younger than that of Obama's.

 

Pushing out older judges to place younger judges on the bench is another GOP strategy. Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham (R-SC) told older judges that they should take retirement. "Now would be a good time to do that, if you want to make sure the judiciary is right of center," he said.

 

However, there is a slight sliver of hope. A total of 66 Court of Appeals judges are now or will soon be eligible for some type of retirement. Thirty-eight of those judges are Democratic appointees. It is highly unlikely they would retire before 2021 and allow Trump to fill their seat.

 

Electing Joe Biden is even more critical if we are to try and stop the erosion of our courts.

 

Here is how you can help. Send postcards to Democratic voters in battleground states encouraging them to vote. These states will be key to winning back the White House and Senate. This is an easy and effective way for you to play an important role in the election.

 

Click here to receive your postcards. You will also be provided with a choice of tried and proven messages to inspire voters to cast their ballot. 

 

Let us know you have ordered postcards. We will send you a self-addressed envelope to send your postcards back to JAC. We will then stamp and send them out in October.

 

Every person you encourage to vote brings us one step closer to victory in November.

 

Postcards matter.