Hold on Groves Explained

After weeks of speculation, Sen. David Vitter, R-La., has finally revealed his reasons for placing a hold on the nomination of Robert Groves to be Census Bureau Director. Vitter was one of the only votes against a procedural motion yesterday that resulted in a voice vote on Groves' nomination, which was confirmed.

In a statement released yesterday, Vitter explains his concerns:

I have some serious concerns with Mr. Groves' confirmation to be director of the Census, and that's why I placed a hold on his nomination. Specifically, I wanted some written assurances from President Obama and his administration that sampling would not be used in the census taking process and that ACORN will have nothing to do with the census. I've been trying to have a dialogue with the White House to help me address those two concerns, but they were unwilling to make those commitments.

Interestingly, one of the first emails I saw this morning was this statement from ACORN Chief Executive Officer Bertha Lewis:

The census is a critical component of our democracy because it provides the scientific basis for the apportionment of resources in our society. Robert Groves is eminently qualified for the directorship of the Census and we are pleased by his confirmation by the Senate.

Lewis also directly responded to Vitter's questions about her organization's role in the census:

We condemn the irresponsible rhetoric on the census that has variously threatened to boycott the count or misrepresented ACORN's role in the process for partisan gain. I call on Sens. Vitter and Shelby and Rep. Bachmann to follow ACORN's lead and to focus on the real issues facing American families such as stopping the foreclosure crisis or assuring quality, affordable health care for every American.

Republican lawmakers have been up in arms about the fact ACORN has been involved in recruiting canvassers for the bureau. Rep. Michele Bachmann, R-Minn., has even vowed to boycott the count this year, only to draw condemnation from her fellow Republicans.

At any rate, it seems like the magnifying glass on the 2010 decennial count just keeps getting bigger as the amount of time left shrinks. The scrutiny is warranted, since many observers have predicted that management delays and lack of testing may result in a less accurate count than 2000. Groves waited a long time to get his new job, but if I were him I'd already be wondering how I got myself into such a mess.