Unfortunately, there are a lot of other disappointing nominees where Judge Pickering came from.

Democratic opposition to Judge Pickering was based mainly upon two factors.

Some advocacy groups first portrayed Judge Pickering as someone highly insensitive to racial justice.

"The process was very fair to Judge Pickering," he said.

The first battle over Judge Pickering too often descended into a fight over whether he is a "racist."

Other aspects of Judge Pickering's record are also disturbing.

Most, but not all, of the evidence marshaled against Judge Pickering involves his behavior as a young man from 1959 to 1964.

Four of the five black council members, in fact, said they enthusiastically supported Judge Pickering's appointment.

The man standing before Judge Pickering in his courtroom wasn't so lucky.

Republicans said it was unfair to talk about the past when Judge Pickering had demonstrated his commitment to racial reconciliation in recent years.