Stalling Potentially Influential Judges

In a study summarized here, John Lott found that the length of time required to confirm a judicial nominee is directly proportional to the length of that nominee's resume. In other words, the more impressive a nominee's credentials, the longer it takes for him/her to be confirmed. As Lott notes, no doubt this is due to fears by those opposing a well-qualified judge of the enormous influence that s/he can wield.

It's worth a read.