Deal Reached to Avert U.S. Showdown on Judges

Fourteen U.S. Senate moderates struck a deal across party lines on Monday to avert a historic showdown vote over President Bush's stalled judicial nominees.

The bipartisan compromise -- which includes a commitment to clear the way for confirmation votes on three of five disputed nominees -- was reached less than 24 hours before the Republican-led Senate was to decide whether to strip Democrats of their power to block Bush's candidates for federal courts.

If Republicans had prevailed -- and it was uncertain whether they had the votes -- Democrats vowed to retaliate by raising other obstacles that could tie the chamber into knots.

The issue has assumed major political significance because of its importance to future Supreme Court nominations, with at least one retirement expected soon.

Special-interest groups from the political right and left have joined the battle, since the federal courts decide many cultural and social issues, such as abortion rights.

With the stakes high and outcome uncertain, the 14 moderate lawmakers crafted their deal a week after talks between the Senate's top two leaders broke down.

"This is a good day for the country, a good day for the Untied States Senate," Ohio Republican Sen. Mike DeWine, flanked by fellow negotiators, told a news conference in announcing the accord.

"I say thank God," said Sen. Robert Byrd, a West Virginia Democrat. "We have lifted ourselves above politics."

The accord provided enough senators on both sides of the political aisle to enforce a carefully worded compromise.
(Reuters)