Spencer Abraham, a former Michigan senator, agreed on Tuesday to serve as co-chairman of the Committee for Justice, a conservative group that works to support conservative judicial nominees, including Supreme Court nominee John Roberts.
The committee does several things, but its main purpose is to refute liberal attacks on judicial nominees, said Sean Rushton, the committee's executive director. He added the group has given advice to the White House about judicial nominees in the past.
"We don't tell the White House who they should consider, but our organization is close to the White House," Rushton said. "Historically, we have been a source of strategic advice to the White House in defending it's nominees."
Abraham, a former East Lansing resident and U.S. Secretary of Energy, was chosen to help lead the committee because of his extensive background in politics, Rushton said.
"He was picked for his long-time commitment to conservative principles in the law," he said. "He's well known and a great spokesman."
As a co-chairman, Abraham's responsibilities will include making public statements, raising money and debating with leftist political groups, Rushton said.
Abraham is credited with starting the Harvard Journal of Law & Public Policy and is a member of the Federalist Society.
Although Michigan Sen. Debbie Stabenow didn't have an official position on Abraham's appointment, she did vote for him to assume his former position as the secretary of energy, said her spokesman Bob Meissner.
One state senator said he was glad to see Abraham's appointment to the committee because of his brilliant legal mind and ability to lead.
"When he was in the United States Senate, he was noted as an intellectual powerhouse," said Sen. Alan Cropsey, R-Dewitt. "He knows the Senate and the law - he brings a wealth of experience and knowledge.
"He's a very formidable personality when it comes to Washington, D.C."
Another state senator didn't view Abraham's position as something that would please everyone.
"He was known as being aloof and out of touch with folks, but that is why he isn't a senator anymore," Michigan Senate Minority Leader Bob Emerson said. "I frankly had little or no interaction with Spencer."
Kris Turner can be reached at turne112@msu.edu.
