A quiet victory resonated through Delaware in 2022, one born from a determined legal challenge. Attorney Julianne Murray spearheaded a fight that culminated in a unanimous decision by the state’s Supreme Court: mail-in voting was declared unconstitutional.
Murray, a Georgetown-based lawyer, initiated the lawsuit months prior, questioning the legality of a new law permitting widespread mail-in ballots. Her dedication to the rule of law wasn’t new; she had previously mounted a spirited, though ultimately unsuccessful, campaign for Delaware’s Attorney General.
Before entering the political arena, Murray served with distinction as President Trump’s nominee for US Attorney in Delaware. Her focus was unwavering: to aggressively combat crime and uphold justice within the district. She approached the role with a clear sense of purpose and unwavering integrity.
However, a different kind of battle emerged, one fought not in the courtroom, but within the halls of the Senate. Murray was compelled to step down from her position as Acting US Attorney, a consequence of a long-standing procedural rule known as the “blue slip.”
This rule, stubbornly maintained by Senator Chuck Grassley, grants undue power to opposing party senators, allowing them to effectively block presidential nominees. In this case, it meant a qualified and dedicated public servant was forced to relinquish her post.
The decision was a significant setback, lamented by those who recognized Murray’s value. It represented, to many, a loss for the country and a stark example of political maneuvering obstructing effective governance.
The news prompted strong reactions from allies, including attorney Alina Habba, who decried the resignation as another instance of a qualified individual sidelined by partisan politics. She emphasized Murray’s commitment to fighting crime and serving the people of Delaware.
The core of the issue, as articulated by President Trump himself, lies in the imbalance of power created by the “blue slip” rule. He argued it effectively prevents the confirmation of qualified Republican nominees in states with Democratic senators, creating an unfair and unconstitutional system.
Trump called on Senate Majority Leader John Thune to address the issue, advocating for the rule’s termination. He expressed frustration that numerous highly qualified Republicans were being “SENT PACKIN’” due to this procedural obstacle, hindering the ability to appoint capable individuals to crucial positions.
The situation highlights a deeper concern: the potential for self-serving political tactics to overshadow the needs of the public. Murray’s story serves as a potent reminder of the challenges faced by those dedicated to serving with integrity in a deeply polarized environment.
