In response to the announced withdrawal of the nominations of William Haynes, William Myers, and Terrence Boyle and the previous withdrawal of Michael Wallace, People For the American Way President Ralph G. Neas released the following statement:

“The withdrawal of these nominees recognizes the political reality on Capitol Hill. Extreme, far-right nominees who are out of step with ordinary Americans simply will not be confirmed in the new Senate.

“The November elections showed that Americans are demanding a new way of doing business in Washington, and demanding bipartisan cooperation and consultation between the President and the Congress. The President now has a significant opportunity to change course on judicial nominations, consult with the new Congress and advance nominees who are within the mainstream of jurisprudence.

“We hope the President will take a bipartisan path. But if he does not, we will vigorously oppose any new efforts to pack the judiciary with ultraconservative nominees who would undermine our cherished rights and liberties.”