Your Dec. 14 editorial ("Myers' winding road to 9th Circuit takes final turn") claims that "Senate Democrats gave raspberries to (9th Circuit Court of Appeals nominee William) Myers and his writings on environmental case law. Dems used a judicial filibuster to prevent Myers from earning a full vote on the Senate floor."

Ultimately, however, Myers was blocked by bipartisan Senate action. In the "Gang of 14" agreement that saved the filibuster, seven Republican and seven Democratic senators provided for confirmation of certain controversial judges but specifically exempted Myers. Widespread opposition to Myers focused on unjustifiable legal positions he took as the Interior Department's top lawyer that were rejected by his own department and by federal and state courts.

Your editorial states that Myers "sunk his own chances of gaining a circuit court seat" after questions arose about his 2005 testimony regarding the notorious lobbyist Jack Abramoff. Actually, Myers sunk his chances a long time ago when, as interior solicitor, he favored his previous industry clients instead of enforcing laws that protect the environment, taxpayers and tribal rights.

GLENN SUGAMELI

Washington, D.C.

(Glenn Sugameli is senior legislative counsel for Earthjustice.)