Sen. Boxer Blocking a Judicial Nomination Many of Her Liberal Colleagues Support

(Fox News) - California Democratic Senator Barbara Boxer is blocking a confirmation hearing for a judicial nominee who is backed not only by the Bush administration — but by many prominent Democrats — reportedly because of his role in the Bill Clinton impeachment.

California Superior Court Judge Jim Rogan is up for a vacancy on federal district court. But The Wall Street Journal reports Boxer has given him what is called a "blue slip" — exercising her option to block a judicial nomination from her home state. Rogan was on the House Judiciary Committee in 1998 and helped present the case for impeachment to the senate. A Boxer spokeswoman says the senator is blocking the appointment because of what she calls Rogan's "out of the mainstream" policy views.

However, Rogan is supported by liberals such as Representatives Pete Stark and Anna Eshoo. He is also backed by former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown — and some key members of the Clinton impeachment defense team. Even former Clinton special counsel Lanny Davis tells The Washington Post — "this is a man who would make a great judge."