An editorial in the Wall Street Journal states: "Everyone deserves a break, even the U.S. Senate. But enough already. It's been two months since Samuel Alito was confirmed to the Supreme Court and it's past time Senate Republicans got back to work confirming appeals-court judges. They won't have 55 seats forever.

"Or perhaps even after November 7. Judges are a key issue for the GOP's base, who could stay home on Election Day rather than turn out for Republicans who shilly-shally about confirming President Bush's nominees. There are 17 vacancies on the appeals bench, including nine pending nominations. They deserve to be filled as soon as possible before the summer recess.

"An excellent place to start would be to finally vote on Terrence Boyle, whom Mr. Bush has named to the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals...

"The advice-and-consent clause of the Constitution gives the Senate the duty to vet all federal judicial nominees. Now it's time for the remaining nominees to have the up-or-down floor votes they deserve. "