Conservative media called Bolton a “Clinton appointee,” silent on who nominated Walker

Written by Eric Schroeck

Published

In articles on Judge Vaughn Walker's decision to overturn the gay marriage ban in California, FoxNews.com and The Washington Times did not note that Walker was nominated as a federal judge by Presidents Reagan and George H.W. Bush. But in reports on Judge Susan Bolton's decision to block portions of the Arizona immigration law, both outlets noted that President Clinton nominated Bolton.

FoxNews.com, Wash. Times ignore that Reagan, Bush nominated Walker

Walker was first nominated as federal judge by Reagan and renominated twice by Bush. Walker was first nominated as a federal judge in 1987 by Reagan. As the San Francisco Chronicle noted, “It took nearly two years -- and two renominations by Reagan's successor, George H.W. Bush -- for the Senate to confirm him.”

FoxNews.com, Wash. Times ignore that Reagan and Bush nominated Walker. In August 4 articles on Walker's decision to overturn Proposition 8 in California, both FoxNews.com and The Washington Times did not note that Reagan and Bush nominated Walker as a federal judge. Both articles noted that Walker is “openly gay.”

But FoxNews.com and Wash. Times each noted Bolton was a Clinton nominee

Bolton nominated by Clinton at the recommendation of Kyl. Bolton was nominated to the United States Disctrict Court by President Clinton on Kyl's recommendation. Kyl reportedly said during her confirmation hearing, “There is one person in our state who's a real expert on this in the judiciary, and that's Judge Bolton ... And because of her expertise and fairness, all of the contending interests from Arizona have been willing to place their concerns before her to be resolved.”

FoxNews.com: Bolton a “Clinton appointee.” In a July 28 article on Bolton's decision to block portions of Arizona's controversial immigration law, FoxNews.com reported that Bolton “is a Clinton appointee who suddenly became a crucial figure in the immigration debate when she was assigned the seven lawsuits filed against the Arizona law.”

Wash. Times: Bolton “appointed by President Clinton.” In a July 28 article on Bolton's ruling, The Washington Times noted that Bolton “was appointed by President Clinton in 2000.”