This, in turn has led to successful nominations moving quicker than recent confirmations but with a key caveat -- nominations are being prioritized by their position in the judicial hierarchy.

That is, circuit court confirmations are being prioritized over district courts.

We demonstrate that the 2013 nuclear option -- where the Senate reduced the cloture threshold (or, ending a filibuster) to a simple majority dramatically changed how the confirmations process works.

Now, nominations are almost exclusively proceeding to confirmation via cloture

Newly accepted at American Politics Research (w/ the twitterless Ian Ostrander)!

Like judicial confirmations?
Like Senate rules change?
Want to know how the 2013 nuclear option changed judicial nominations?

Then do I have the paper for you!

My toddler's book on the Supreme Court inadvertently explaining the current political situation (looking at you Article I)