I am liberal, and I have many doubts about President Donald Trump. But his nominees deserve fair hearings based on their merits, or political concerns.
A senator is free to approve or disapprove of a presidentap nominee for any reason. But recently, Sen. Bernie Sanders questioned Russell Vought, a Trump nominee for a deputy director job, about Voughtap religious beliefs. I find that horrifying, and it is against the “religious test” provision of the U.S. Constitution.
If Sen. Sanders questioned Vought about whether Vought would treat all people in the U.S. equally, thatap legitimate. But Sanders questioned Vought about heaven, hell and salvation from God. Theological questions like that are irrelevant to the job Vought is being nominated for.
Stick to competency questions of nominees, Sen. Sanders — or people may question your own.
Peter Gross, Englewood
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