News Release
For Immediate Release:  December 6, 2011
Contact:  Diane Gramley  1.814.271.9078 or .814.437.5355

Casey Again Proves That “Pro-Life” is Not a Label He Deserves

(Harrisburg) — Today the United States Senate unsuccessfully voted on cloture for the nomination of Caitlin Halligan to the DC Circuit Court of Appeals, considered the second highest court in the land.   Even though both of Pennsylvania’s US Senators claim to be pro-life, only one voted to reflect that label.  The American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA of PA) is appalled that once again Senator Bob Casey, Jr., who campaigned and continues to label himself as pro-life, voted to confirm pro-abortion Caitlin Halligan.

“Senator Casey’s pro-life mantel has become simply a very tarnished veneer he continues to try to hide behind.   It is apparent that Senator Casey did not do his homework on this nominee very well .  One example of how radical Halligan is –  as New York Solicitor General,  she targeted pro-life groups by arguing that protestors should face extortion and racketeering charges under a wild interpretation of the Hobbs Act,” noted Diane Gramley, president of the AFA of PA.

Senator Casey should have also noted that the National Rifle Association opposed her nomination — only the second time in the NRA’s history that they opposed the nomination of a circuit court judge!  Their opposition centered around Halligan’s efforts to sue gun manufacturers for crimes committed with guns.   If Senator Casey missed the gun issue, he should have caught her radical position on same-sex marriage.   As New York Solicitor General  Halligan had argued for same-sex marriage, even though the state’s domestic law required that marriage licenses only be issued to opposite sex couples.  Then there’s the War on Terror where Halligan, as a member of a bar committee, joined other members in issuing a report claiming it is unconstitutional for the United States to detain enemy combatants.  The DC Court of Appeals is too important a court for someone as radical as Caitlin Halligan.  The court plays a critical role in national security matters, has considerable regulatory review authority, and is frequently a springboard for judges that are later nominated to the Supreme Court.

“Pro-family, pro-life and pro-Second Amendment Americans are very glad the US Senate fell short of the 60 votes needed on the cloture vote for Caitlin Halligan for the DC Court of Appeals.  However, as Pennsylvanians, we are very disturbed that the 54 votes for cloture included our so-called ‘pro-life’ Senator Bob Casey, Jr.  It’s time he packed away his pro-life label because his voting record since he’s been in office does not reflect it,” Gramley concluded.

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