Boyle's time

If Federal District Judge Terrence Boyle in fact is headed toward vote by the Senate on his nomination to serve on the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, that could mean Boyle finally is in line for a long-delayed and well-earned promotion. The judge from Edenton, who holds court in the eastern North Carolina district, has waited five years for the vote, which was blocked by Democrats in a partisan divide over various issues. It was almost a year ago that the Judiciary Committee forwarded the nomination to the Senate floor.

Boyle is a judicial conservative, but not an entirely predictable one, and his independent streak would be valued on the Richmond-based appellate court. He is qualified by training and experience for this important job. Democrats on the judiciary panel may have had some legitimate concern about some of the President Bush's court nominees (Harriet Miers, for example), but to hold up Boyle's appointment again would be both petty and overly partisan.

Boyle is tough on lawyers, but most who appear before him, no matter what their political viewpoints, seem to respect him. He has exhibited patience and class throughout the stalled confirmation process, which Senator Dole has tried to get moving again, apparently with some success. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist of Tennessee indicates that he'll bring Boyle's name before the Senate next month. Senators should give Boyle a vote of confidence.