Judicial Fundraising

In today's Washington Post on-line, an article was posted by Thomas B. Edsall about how the Supreme Court vacancy has become a "fundraising magnet for both left and right that promises to rival the 2004 presidential campaign for the rate of cash flow, if not total dollars raised." It's estimated that lobbying groups, interest-group coalitions and others will raise between $50M and $100M to fight for/against President Bush's Supreme Court nominee. For example, Progress for America, who spent $45M on behalf of the Bush 2004 campaign is committed to spend $18M for targeted radio and TV ads. Others such as MoveOn PAC are already "flexing their muscles" in the debate about the "nuclear option" presented by Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-Tenn.) to end filibusters.

In addition to raising funds, many Bloggers have begun to voice their opinion and speculate about who will be nominated and why they are/are not a qualified candidate. News organizations such as Fox News have reported that blogging will be a major communication outlet for raising awareness and driving opinion regarding the nominee.

Already the issue is hotly debated and a nominee has yet to be identified. It's going to be an interesting summer.