By Alabama Public Radio
Atlanta, GA – The opposition continues for former attorney general and recent federal court appointee Bill Pryor.
Massachusetts Senator Edward Kennedy says President Bush's recess appointment of Pryor to the 11th US Circuit Court of Appeals may be unconstitutional. Kennedy also has asked the 11th Circuit to determine the validity of the appointment. President Bush appointed Pryor's to the bench on the last day of Congress's week-long President's Day holiday break.
The US Constitution does give the president authority to install nominees in office when Congress is not in session. Therefore, the White House says Pryor's appointment was proper.
If Pryor's recess appointment stands, he will remain on the bench until at least 2006.