Grassley’s actions are unacceptable

I couldn't agree more with The Gazette's March 3 editorial 'Supreme Court vacancy: Grassley has a responsibility to lead.” Many Iowans are embarrassed not only at Sen. Chuck Grassley's lack of leadership, but at his predetermined refusal to consider appointing an Iowa judge who had received unanimous approval for her present position.

Republicans use the excuse that in past campaign years the Democrats also demanded delaying hearings for a new Supreme Court Justice until after election and inauguration of a new president. What needs to be stressed, and has not been mentioned enough, not even in The Gazette Editorial, is that in past campaign years a sitting judge was retiring and could continue to serve until a new judge was approved. This year that is not the case. With Justice Scalia's death, a Supreme Court seat is vacant and the court is not able to function in a fully just manner. Therefore filling a seat as soon as possible is of utmost importance.

I hope voters will continue to urge Sen. Grassley and his Senate Judiciary Committee to hold hearings for President Barack Obama's nominee, no matter who he or she is. And most important, voters should remember Grassley's attitude and actions when they go to the polls in November.

Elizabeth A. Belden

Alburnett