Samuel A. Alito, Jr.

Robert Novak is reporting that Priscilla Owen is emerging as a frontrunner for the O'Conner seat. He reports that a secret meeting took place last week. Novak notes that the nomination process could get ugly if Bush nominates Owen, since her nomination to the 5th Circuit was filibustered for five years by Democrats until the Gang of 14 reached their controversial compromise earlier this year.

She has been described by the Houston Chronicle as one of the most conservative Justices on the Texas Supreme Court. In one of her many dissents on the Texas Supreme Court, she was accuse by Alberto Gonzales (now the Attorney General who at the time was on the Texas Supreme Court) of arguing for "an unconscionable act of judicial activism."

Owen was unanimously rated by the American Bar Association as well-qualified when she was nominated by President Bush to join the 5th Circuit.

Key Decisions and Writings:

Abortion - According to NOW, "in every judicial bypass case that came before the Texas Supreme Court last spring (bypass allows a young woman to obtain an abortion without notifying her parents if she proves her maturity to a judge), Owen voted against granting the young woman a bypass." Naturally, NOW opposes any nominee that votes for ANY restrictions on abortion. We need more information in this area, though she seems to be the type of candidate that the Pro-Life lobby will enthusiastically support.

Profiles:

Department of Justice bio

People for the American Way profile and detailed memo apposing her nomination to the 5th Circuit

NOW report on Owen

Alliance for Justice report

The Progress Report profile

Fox News profile

Comments, questions and suggestions can be sent to Gerardo Orlando at editor@orlandoreport.com.

Back to The Orlando Report home page.