Michael Kelly Mort Kondracke Ch. Consumer Reports Blooding the a.g.
Senators gain serious respect for some of their colleagues.
But we have learned that in times of stress senatorial courtesy can gain oxymoronic status. Sen. John Tower, R-Texas, was denied confirmation as secretary of defense because of alleged problems with whiskey and women. This is one of the those times. Ashcroft's confirmation hearings will give the liberal cause groups an opportunity to bang their tambourines of terror once again. Such tactics sunk the nomination of Judge Robert Bork, about as well-qualified a jurist as is likely to come down the interstate.