05/25/05 Crapo intent on seeking Myers vote

When the Senate reached a compromise and Democrats agreed to allow final confirmation votes for three federal judges Bill Myers had to wonder 'what's next.' Myers is the Boise attorney nominated by President Bush to the US Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. His confirmation vote last year was held up by Democrats after environmentalists and Native American tribes denounced him. Senator Mike Crapo who is solidly behind Myers knows that Myers and one other conservative nominee don't have a clear path to a confirmation vote this time around. CRAPO "The agreement that they made does not say that they will filibuster these two nominations. It says that they haven't agreed not to filibuster." Does that mean Myers' fate is sealed and he won't be confirmed? CRAPO "The fact that they were not included in the agreement is not good news and we have an uphill battle right now to try to solve it." The agreement was worked out by 14 senators and it does prevent the so-called nuclear option which could have brought Senate legislative work to a grinding halt. CRAPO "Its one that does give the Senate a chance to stand down from the conflict and hopefully start building better relations and building a smoother path forward." Voice of Idaho Agriculture Bill Scott