The Chicago Way--Maybe, Maybe Not

John Hinderaker at Power Line posted an article on Wednesday about the appointment of Scott Matheson, Jr., to the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals.  At the same time, his brother, Representative Jim Matheson, is making a decision as to whether or not he should support the healthcare reform bill before the House of Representatives.  Mr. Hinderaker points out that Judge Matheson would be an excellent choice for the position even if he didn't have a brother in Congress.  Since Mr. Hinderaker is a practicing lawyer (and I love his blog), I will take his word on this matter.  The appointment may actually be one of President Obama's better appointments, but the timing of it is just stupid.  Even if there is no connection between the two events, it was politically unwise to announce the appointment at this time.  In politics (as in a few other places) perception is reality, and no amount of denial will convince the skeptics that this is simply coincidence.  While it is certainly within the President's authority to make this appointment at this time, it was a politically stupid move, which is something that President Obama does not often do.  That fact alone may indicate that there was no political motivation behind it!