Just as he did with the failed $825 billion stimulus and government-run healthcare, U.S. Senator Ben Nelson sided once again with President Barack Obama today and voted in support of his controversial judicial nominee, Caitlin Halligan, for a lifetime appointment to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit.

While Senate Republicans ultimately blocked Halligan’s nomination, Nelson’s vote in support came despite questions raised regarding her anti-Second Amendment positions and controversial positions towards prosecuting the war on terror.  The National Rifle Association (NRA), among others, outlined their opposition to Halligan’s nomination, specifically citing — “Our opposition is based on Ms. Halligan’s attacks on the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding Americans.”

Remarkably, Nelson recently said the government has a limited role in regulating the ownership of guns.

“Votes likes this are the difference between politicians like Ben Nelson who like to give lip service to the Second Amendment, versus actually standing up and defending those rights when they’re in Washington,” National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) spokesman Jahan Wilcox said today.  “Once again, and perhaps when he thought the voters of Nebraska weren’t paying attention, Ben Nelson showed that he would rather stand with Barack Obama, than stand up for Nebraska and our Constitution.”

Flashback … 

Ben Nelson Said Government Has A Limited Role In Regulating The Ownership Of Guns 

Ben Nelson: “As An Avid Hunter, I Believe The Government Has A Limited Role In Regulating The Ownership Of Guns.” (Senator Ben Nelson, “Nelson Speaks Out For Second Amendment Rights,” Press Release, 11/10/09)