Sessions Could Get Top Spot On Judiciary Panel

Alabama Senator Jeff Sessions could become the top Republican on the Senate Judiciary Committee with Sen. Arlen Specter leaving the GOP to become a Democrat.

By: Jamie Burch | WKRG-TV
Published: April 29, 2009

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WASHINGTON (AP) - Sen. Jeff Sessions of Alabama could become the
top Republican on the Senate Judiciary Committee with Sen. Arlen
Specter of Pennsylvania leaving the GOP to become a Democrat this
week.
The move puts Sessions in line to become chairman of the
influential committee if Republicans regain control of the Senate.
And it would give him a lead role in judicial nominations,
immigration and other issues the committee controls.
It's the second time this year that Sessions has stood to gain
from a Republican defection. In February, he was poised to become
the senior Republican on the Budget Committee when President Barack
Obama nominated Republican Sen. Judd Gregg of New Hampshire to be
Commerce Secretary. But Gregg changed his mind and stayed in the
Senate.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)