Even though Mr. Bush suffered a defeat with the Pickering nomination, the Republican Party is trying to extract some political advantage from the experience.

The delay over the Pickering nomination brought the liberal groups into play.

Governor Musgrove has, however, been a vocal supporter of the Pickering nomination as have several other prominent state Democrats.

After several hours of speeches, the committee voted 10 to 9 along party lines to reject the Pickering nomination.

The campaign against the Pickering nomination switched directions weeks ago.

Mr. Taylor, who opposes the Pickering nomination, said in an interview that by that time, the white establishment opposed the Klan for economic and other reasons.

The Pickering nomination has turned into the Bush administration's first major judicial confirmation battle.

Democrats have not yet decided if they will try to block the Pickering nomination with a filibuster.

The committee held a hearing on the Pickering nomination on Oct. 18, but it was little noticed because of the events of Sept. 11.

The Pickering nomination has turned into the first major judicial confirmation fight of the Bush administration.