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PRESS RELEASE FROM AMERICANS FOR TAX REFORM
Contact: John Kartch ( jkartch@atr.org or 202-785-0266)

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7/25/05

Supreme Court Fact of the Day
George Washington on nominations

Senators confused about their role in the confirmation process need look no further than the words of George Washington. Washington made clear to the Senate on numerous occasions that it was his own responsibility to nominate and the Senate’s to give them an up or down vote on the nominee.

During President Washington’s term, the Senate passed a resolution mandating that the senators’ “Advice and consent to the appointment of officers should be given in the presence of the President.” Washington rejected this motion and responded to the Senate that “the Acts of the President, and the Acts of the Senate will stand on clear, distinct, and responsible grounds… the President has a right to nominate without assigning his reasons…”

Later Senator James Monroe advised President Washington not to nominate Alexander Hamilton as the envoy to Great Britain. “Washington sharply reminded him that the President alone was responsible for nominations and invited him to submit in writing any information that would disqualify Hamilton.”

The Left should follow the founding principles of our Republic and allow the President to nominate his choice for the Supreme Court and give the nominee a fair hearing in the Senate.

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Americans for Tax Reform is a non-partisan coalition of taxpayers and taxpayer groups who oppose any and all federal and state tax increases.  For more information, or to arrange an interview with Mr. Norquist please contact John Kartch at (202)785-0266 or by email at jkartch@atr.org.