Senate Refuses To End Debate On Liu Nomination 52-43

The United States Senate has killed the nomination of Goodwin Liu to join the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals by refusing to end debate by a vote of 52-43.

It is President Obama's first defeat on a judicial nomination.

It is the first time in more than six years the Senate has successfully filibustered a judicial nominee and culminates nearly 15 months of partisan bickering over Liu.    

Senators have shied away from blocking judicial nominees since 2005, when a group of seven Democrats and seven Republicans known as the Gang of 14 stuck a deal decreeing judicial filibusters appropriate only in “extraordinary circumstances.”  

 Senate Democrats and Republicans clashed sharply Thursday over whether Liu’s nomination met that threshold.

Democrats argued Liu’s legal philosophy falls well within the mainstream and touted the nominee's impressive academic credentials.

Republicans said Liu’s writings and remarks endorse judicial activism and portray him as a liberal ideologue.

"He is unfit to serve as a United States judge," said Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas.) "His activist views of the laws are troubling. I am left with no choice but to fight his confirmation with every tool at my disposal.”

Assistant Majority Leader Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) said he believes Republicans are attempting to block Liu in the hopes that they will win the 2012 presidential election and be able to stack the courts with their own nominees.

"For many on other side of the aisle they are guided by advisers that say, ‘Keep as many of the posts open as long as possible,’" accused Durbin. "They say help is on the way in the form of the next election.

It's a very sad day.