October 10, 2007 1:31 PM

Senator Feinstein: Listen to Californians and Vote NO on Southwick

In early August, the Senate Judiciary Committee voted 10-9 to send the nomination of Leslie H. Southwick, to fill a Fifth Circuit vacancy, to the full Senate. Senator Feinstein, who sits on the Committee and voted in favor of the nomination, has stated that she didn’t hear from her constituents opposing Southwick. Really? Then the senator must not be reading her e-mail. If she had, she would have seen over 7,000 messages from Working Assets California customers in her in-box urging her to vote no.

Southwick, a former Mississippi Court of Appeals judge, has a consistent record of voting and vocalizing against the interests of consumers, workers, and others based on race and sexual orientation. This history, as well as his oral and written opinions, call his commitment to equal justice and dignity into question. Senator Feinstein even said, "I believe he made a mistake." Then she made a mistake and voted for him.

Yesterday, leaders from civil rights organizations, as well as several of us from Working Assets, went to Senator Feinstein's office in San Francisco to deliver a strong message of "No on Southwick." Here is a picture:

And here is my message to Senator Feinstein:

My name is Leah Adler and I have been a California resident my entire life. I believe we need a judiciary that represents the people and upholds the basic rights and freedoms of our country. If you truly represent me and all Californians you will vote no on Leslie Southwick for the 5th Circuit Court.

Senator Feinstein must reverse her position and vote No on Southwick. Join me by sending her a clear message today. And Senator Feinstein, this time, take a look at your e-mail.