Demint opposes first African-American woman to U.S. Court of Appeals

Hon. Bernice Bouie Donald has served as Judge of U.S. District Court for the Western District of Tennessee since January 1996. She previously served as Judge of U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Tennessee and General Sessions Criminal Court. She received her law degree from the University of Memphis School of Law where she has served as an adjunct faculty member.

By an overwhelming, bipartisan vote (96-2) the United States Senate confirmed the nomination of Judge Bernice Donald to the 6th US Circuit Court of Appeals. She is the first African-American woman to serve in that capacity.

Despite Judge Donald's indisputable long and distinguished career, South Carolina's Senator Jim Demint voted against her nomination. He was joined by Louisiana Senator David Vitter, best known his recent election despite his connection to the "D.C. Madam" prostitution scandal of 2007.



Even Lamar Alexander, conservative Republican Senator from Tenneesee and Demint ally on legislation like Cut, Cap and Balance, enthusiastically spoke on behalf of the confirmation of Judge Bernice Donald to the U.S. Court of Appeals-6th circuit. Please see the video above.

Demint and Vitter: only two Senators to oppose Hilary Clinton's confirmation

 It is interesting that Demint and Vitter were also the only two Senators to oppose Hilary Clinton's confirmation as Secretary of State. However as there have been no explanations offered in the press or on either Senator Demint's or Senator Vitter's official Senate websites, the public can only speculate as to why either senator would oppose Judge Donald's nomination.