WASHINGTON, May 3: President George W. Bush accused Senate Democrats on Friday of “endangering the administration of justice in America” by refusing to confirm many of his nominees for federal judgeships.

The Republican president and the Democratic-controlled Senate are locked in an ideological dispute over Bush’s judicial nominees, with Democrats accusing Bush of picking people who are too conservative.

The White House said the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati, which covers Ohio, Kentucky, Michigan and Tennessee, has only eight of 16 seats occupied.

“All across America the wait for justice is growing longer, the burden on federal judges is growing heavier and the frustration level of ordinary Americans seeking justice is growing greater,” Bush said.—Reuters