NATION : Lucas Wins Support for His Bid to Be Named to Civil Rights Post
William Lucas gained ground today in his campaign for confirmation as the nation’s chief civil rights enforcer, winning support from Sen. Arlen Specter (R-Pa.), who had been viewed as a key undecided vote.
“I do not support William Lucas because he is black but I do believe his background will give him special insights into the civil rights laws,” Specter told the Senate one day after a meeting with the candidate.
Specter, until now seen by Lucas critics as perhaps the only Judiciary Committee Republican who might oppose confirmation, said he was convinced that the nominee is “conversant with the civil rights laws” and would be able to draw expertise from “a battery of attorneys available to him.”
The Judiciary Committee could vote as early as Thursday on whether to recommend Lucas’ confirmation to the full Senate. The panel is believed to be sharply split, with a few undecided lawmakers holding the balance.
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