Low grade for appeals nominee

The Washington Post published an article (free registration required) this morning that begins:

The American Bar Association yesterday gave President Bush's choice for a seat on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia the lowest possible passing grade for judicial nominees, and sources said a Republican Senate chairman was expected to schedule a hearing next week on his nomination.

Thomas B. Griffith, who failed to obtain a law license in Utah or keep a current license in the District during parts of the past six years, received a slight majority from his peers after an unusually long, three-month investigation. Under the ABA's system, that means at least eight of the 15 members on the review panel rated him "qualified" for a seat on the court, and at least six rated him "not qualified."

The story goes on to say that Utah Senator Orrin Hatch, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, is expected to announce today that a confirmation hearing will be scheduled for Oct. 7.

The ABA ratings are accessible here.