And it is about damned time.

WASHINGTON — The Senate on Wednesday confirmed Priscilla Owen as a federal judge, ending a four-year effort by Democrats to derail one of President Bush’s prime judicial nominees.

The vote was 56-43 in favor of sending Owen to the federal bench. Rhode Island Republican Sen. Lincoln Chafee opposed her confirmation. Democratic Sens. Robert Byrd of West Virginia and Mary Landrieu of Louisiana voted for Owen. Sen. Daniel Inouye, D-Hawaii, one of the 14 negotiators who sought to allow Owen’s vote and Democrats’ to maintain the filibuster option, did not vote. (ed. note – emphasis mine)

Hell, even former Grand Kleagle Byrd voted to confirm her. Lincoln Chafee can kiss his Senate seat goodbye next election, I imagine; the GOP will likely run someone against him.

On to Bolton and Janice Rogers Brown!