Recent Bush Administration Nominations

Surgeon General nominee James Holsinger. According to Wikipedia

Holsinger has been active in the United Methodist Church. As a member of its Judicial Council, the highest judicial body within the UMC, he joined with the majority in a controversial decision arising from the attempt to remove an openly lesbian pastor from her post. On April 29, 2004, by a vote of six to three, the Council ruled:

Since the practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching, self-avowed practicing homosexuals are not to be accepted as candidates, ordained as ministers, or appointed to serve in The United Methodist Church.

In 1991, Holsinger had resigned from a UMC panel on homosexuality; Time reported that he had left the panel "because he felt certain its conclusions would follow liberal lines."

Holsinger founded Hope Springs Community Church, which “ministers to people who no longer wish to be gay or lesbian.” Holsinger said that he sees homosexuality as “an issue not of orientation but of lifestyle.”

Leslie H. Southwick nominated to the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. According to a press release

"Senator Obama shares the concerns of his fellow members of the Congressional Black Caucus that Judge Southwick would not adequately defend the rights of workers and enforce civil rights laws, and he opposes his lifetime appointment to the federal appeals court," LaBolt said. "Given the rocky history of appointments to this important seat on the court, Senator Obama believes the president should nominate a consensus candidate who will fairly interpret and uphold the laws of the nation."

Michael Baroody nominated to chair the Consumer Product Safety Commission (withdrawn). Senator John Kerry wrote in "Corporate lobbyist poor choice to head Consumer Product Safety board"

On important issue after important issue, the Bush Administration has shown time and again that no position is too important to be filled by a loyalist or ideologue ill-equipped for the job.

That is why it was not surprising that the president nominated Republican operative and corporate lobbyist Michael Baroody to head the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) - to be the person on the front lines of consumer safety. Not surprising - but not acceptable, either.