Thursday, October 27, 2005

Republican Dysfunction Grows As Harriet Miers Withdraws SCOTUS Nomination

Well guys, it looks as though the riff within the Republican party just got even bigger.

After facing weeks of extreme criticism from the fellow right wing conservatives, including U.S. Senate candidate Ed Bryant, Harriet Miers withdrew her nomination on Thursday morning.

From CNN:

President Bush on Thursday accepted the withdrawal of Supreme Court nominee Harriet Miers after weeks of opposition from both liberals and conservatives, who questioned her qualifications and record.

In her withdrawal letter to the president, Miers said she was "concerned that the confirmation process presents a burden for the White House and its staff and it is not in the best interest of the country."

In a statement, Bush said he "reluctantly accepted" her withdrawal."

"Bush's decision to nominate Miers, 60, White House counsel and a longtime adviser, had divided his supporters, many of whom wanted a nominee with a clear record of opposition to abortion and solid views on other legal issues important to conservatives."

So the question now is, who will the President nominate next? Will he again face opposition from his own party members like Ed Bryant when he announces his choice?

Miers' withdrawal only represents one part of the current dysfunction in the Republican party. We need not forget that Tom Delay has recently been indicted, Bill Frist is under investigation, and the White House is under investigation regarding the leaking of a CIA agent's identity.

The Republican Party here in Tennessee is also in shambles. Recently it was discovered GOP Senate candidates had received huge amounts of questionable money from Tom Delay and John Gregory over the years. Not to mention, the GOP candidates can't seem to agree on anything and are at each others' throats daily.

Nothing seems to be going right for the Grand Old Party anymore.

Could it be Karma?