Southwick Confirmed

WDAM: Southwick To Join 5th Circuit

Clarion Ledger Editorial: Southwick: Judge judged by region's history

Andy Taggart has the vote tallies for cloture and confirmation.

NYT: Judge opposed by Democrats confirmed

Southwick Vote Today

The Clarion Ledger reports: "The Senate is expected to vote today to end debate on the nomination of Mississippi Judge Leslie Southwick to the federal bench, setting the stage for a vote after weeks of delay....Because some Democrats oppose Southwick's nomination to the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, a 60-vote majority will be needed to end debate on the nomination....If all 49 Republicans vote for Southwick, as expected, 11 Democratic votes would be needed to end debate on the nomination and then hold an up-or-down confirmation vote....Several conservative Democrats, including Sen. Ben Nelson of Nebraska, have committed to voting for Southwick to sit on the court to hear cases from Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas....Several Democrats have said they will vote to end debate on Southwick's nomination, including Sens. Dianne Feinstein of California and Mark Pryor of Arkansas....Sen. Joe Lieberman of Connecticut, an independent who usually votes with Democrats, also is expected to vote for cloture."