Norris voices doubts about being confirmed as U.S. District Court judge

State Senate Majority Leader Mark Norris says he will stay in his current elective position until the U.S. Senate actually confirms his nomination as U.S. District Judge for West Tennessee – and he’s not really certain that’s going to happen, reports The Tennessean.

“I don’t trust the United States Senate to follow through on this,” he said during a state Senate GOP caucus meeting. “I’m not going to resign the seat which my constituents have elected me or this leadership for which you elected me.”

Norris’ statements came after he told fellow lawmakers about what he described as an “out-of-body experience” in his judicial selection process in which he was able to see attacks on Republicans from a different perspective. Norris said some people see his colleagues as heroes and others see them as monsters.

He said his conservative legislative record could be fodder for attacks from Democrats and a roadblock some other judicial candidates may not face.

“It’s very constructive to be crucified for the sins of others, to see what other people who demonize us say about us and how they see us,” he said.

… “I came out of committee on a party line vote, 11-9,” he said. “I need 50 or 51 votes, and I’m down to 51, so y’all may be stuck with me for a while.”