In a radio interview, Senator-elect Mike Lee says that the GOP’s filibuster against President Obama’s judicial nominations is wrong.

Lee, appearing on the Hugh Hewitt show, said the filibuster should not apply to judges.  From the transcript:

HH: What about as to judicial nominees? I was one of those who urged the Senate to use the Constitutional option in 2005-06, because I really believe that the Constitution commits to the entire Senate the advice and consent process, not to a supermajority. But I know it has its role in legislation. Do you have an opinion yet on whether or not it’s legitimate to filibuster judicial nominees?

ML: Yeah, that’s one of the things I was referring to when I said if the effort is one to clarify instances where the filibuster may properly be invoked, and other instances where it shouldn’t be. I think that’s one area we ought to look at, because I think we can make a strong argument that the filibuster ought not apply with respect to judicial nominees. And so perhaps out of this discussion will come a rule clarifying that point. If so, I’ll be happy.

Lee says he is in favor of the filibuster when it comes to legislation because it’s an “effective safety valve to make sure the country doesn’t go too far, too fast.”

Lee also said he was disappointed the lame duck Congress ratified the START treaty, as he believes that Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid should have waited to let the incoming Senators vote on the issue.

(See also related Politics Daily story and Think Progress and Ezra Klein blog posts.)