People for the American Way Issues Statement on VanDyke Unsuitable for Bench

WASHINGTON, Oct. 31 -- People for the American Way issued the following statement by Marge Baker, executive vice president for policy and program, on the Senate Judiciary Committee prepares to hold a confirmation hearing for Lawrence VanDyke, President Trump's nominee for a seat on the Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit:

"Lawrence VanDyke's record and conduct make him absolutely unsuitable for a position on the federal bench. In rating him not qualified for the position, the ABA issued an astonishingly frank report that indicates VanDyke's professional associates find him to be 'arrogant, lazy, an ideologue, and lacking in knowledge of the day-to-day practice' of the law.

"They also concluded that he does not have 'an open mind,' a key requirement for any judge.

"In addition, his record demonstrates his hostility to rights for LGBTQ Americans, reproductive rights, environmental protections, and reasonable campaign finance regulations aimed at stemming the flow of money into politics.

"Confirming VanDyke to the Ninth Circuit would be a severe blow to the rights of millions within the circuit, as well as an inexcusable elevation of a person so temperamentally unfit for a judicial role."

* * *

About People For the American Way

People For the American Way is a progressive advocacy organization founded to fight right-wing extremism and build a democratic society that implements the ideals of freedom, equality, opportunity and justice for all. We encourage civic participation, defend fundamental rights, and fight to dismantle systemic barriers to equitable opportunity. Learn more: http://www.pfaw.org.