Senate Filibuster Supporters Schedule Dozens of Rallies, Poorly Attended 
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by Steven Ertelt
LifeNews.com Editor
April 28, 2005
Akron, OH (LifeNews.com) — Supporters of judicial filibusters in the Senate against President Bush’s pro-life nominees for federal courts scheduled over 100 local rallies Wednesday to support their cause. However, many were poorly attended.
The Coalition for a Fair and Independent Judiciary hopes to stop Senate Republicans from changing the rules on filibusters to make their easier to stop. The sponsored the rallies, like the one in Akron where only 50 people showed up.
Similar rallies in Detroit, Pittsburgh, Columbus and other cities were sponsored by the coalition members, which include the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights, People for the American Way, NARAL and the MoveOn PAC.
Each of the groups back legalized abortion and turnout was lower than organizers expected.
In Santa Fe, New Mexico, attendance was also sparse, as just a few dozen came to protest.
One of those who did was Tim Miller, a representative of NARAL. He bashed President Bush for nominating judges who strongly oppose abortion.
"These federal judicial positions are lifetime appointments. Once confirmed, they will have a profound impact on the lives of Americans," Miller said.
Miller indicated his group was worried that the judges Bush favors, including potential Supreme Court appointments, would overturn Roe v. Wade.
Pro-life advocates are launching their own campaigns to end the filibuster.
Focus on the Family and the Family Research Council sponsored a 6,000 strong rally in Louisville last weekend that was broadcast to millions via thousands of churches nationwide.
Janet Folger, president of Faith2Action has launched a campaign to send blue foam fingers, normally used at sporting events, to members of the Senate urging them to support the rules change.
Meanwhile, the nation’s Catholic bishops have sponsored a postcard campaign telling senators not to make abortion a litmus test for disapproving judges.
