WASHINGTON ? Senate Republicans have blocked President Barack Obama's
nominee to the U.S. Court of Appeals in Washington, as majority
Democrats failed to break a filibuster.

Republicans portrayed Caitlin Halligan as a liberal activist, but also
acknowledged that the filibuster was payback for Democrats opposing past
GOP nominees. Democrats said she was exceptionally well qualified.

The vote Tuesday to break a filibuster was 54-45, short of the 60 votes
needed under Senate rules.

Halligan is currently general counsel in the New York City district
attorney's office and is a former New York State solicitor general.

The District of Columbia circuit currently has five judges nominated by
Republicans and three nominated by Democrats, with three vacancies.
Halligan was nominated for the seat once held by Chief Justice John
Roberts.