Senate Democrats Brand President Bush's Judicial Nominees as "right-wing extremists"

 

(Capitol Hill-AP) -- One of President Bush's nominees to a federal appeals court is defending her record particularly on abortion issues.
Priscilla Owen says she has been a "fair and impartial" judge on the Texas Supreme Court. At a Senate confirmation hearing, she insisted her legal decisions are based on a "fair and consistent application of the law."

Owen insists the picture that special interest groups have painted of her is wrong. Her nomination has stirred opposition from liberal groups. Her critics call her an ultra-conservative activist who uses the bench to rule against consumers and working people.

Owen's supporters call her an outstanding jurist. Texas Republican Phil Gramm insists there's no foundation to charges that she's an "extremist".