New Mexicans for a Fair and Independent Judiciary
P.O. Box 97, Albuquerque NM 87103 PH: 505-243-4443
Albuquerque Center for Peace and Justice, Albuquerque Rape Crisis Center, American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees-AFSCME, Equality New Mexico, Homeless Advocacy Coalition, Inc, League of Pissed Off Voters, National Women's Political Caucus-New Mexico, NARAL Pro-Choice New Mexico, New Mexico Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice, NM Coalition Against Domestic Violence, NM Alliance for Retiree Americans, NM Federation of Labor Retiree Council, NM PACE-Progressive Alliance for Community Empowerment, Planned Parenthood of NM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Giovanna Rossi (505) 620-6030; Carter Bundy (505) 463-8499
New Mexico Coalition Disappointed in Bingaman’s Decision to Support Judge Roberts
Albuquerque, NM - New Mexicans for a Fair and Independent Judiciary, a diverse coalition formed to advocate for fair and effective courts, has issued the following statement in response to senator Bingaman’s announcement that he will support Chief Justice nominee John Roberts.
Carter Bundy, AFSCME: “We don’t know what John Roberts believes and we hope Senator Bingaman will insist on more information from President Bush’s next nominee.”
Giovanna Rossi, executive director of NARAL Pro-Choice New Mexico: “Clearly, we’re disappointed. New Mexicans expected him to stand up to this anti-choice nominee. As we move forward, we will continue to work with Sen. Bingaman on the issues important to protecting fundamental freedoms, including a woman’s right to choose. Senator Bingaman’s decision to support John Roberts makes it even more imperative that he demand a moderate consensus nominee from the President on who would replace Justice Sandra Day O’Connor. “
Santiago Juarez, New Mexico PACE and People For the American Way: “Santiago Juarez, New Mexico PACE and People For the American Way: “We are extremely disappointed. John Roberts had the burden to demonstrate to Senators and the American people that he will protect fundamental rights and freedoms, notably civil rights, women’s rights, and privacy. He failed to meet this burden. Roberts repeatedly ducked and dodged important questions from Senators. He refused to distance himself from his prior statements and positions that would have rolled back civil rights and women’s rights. Roberts refused to acknowledge the harm such policies would have inflicted on millions of Americans.”
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