Earlier this year, feminist boners across the country deflated when the filibuster-happy Senate Republicans blocked the nomination of Ginsburg-in-waiting Judge Nina Pillard to the federal bench. But now, thanks to the death of the filibuster, the Senate was able to go ahead and confirm her. Radical!


Pillard will take her seat on DC's circuit court, which means that the next time a President needs to nominate a Supreme Court justice, she's be on the "Democratic shortlist" of dream nominees. Here's ThinkProgress with more on her,

So, beyond Justice Ginsburg herself, few lawyers have done more to advance the cause of women's equality than Nina Pillard — and few lawyers have been as successful in their efforts to do so. By confirming Pillard to the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, the Senate will ensure that the two women's perspective as leading advocates for women's justice will not be absent from the bench on the day the elderly Ginsburg retires.


Even better: the Asshole Caucus can't stand her. She's been called a "militant feminist," "crazy," and "scary." "Radical," too, and not the way Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles mean it when they say it. They're upset with her writings in opposition to abstinence-only education, they're upset with her impressive pro-equality law career, they're upset with basically everything she's ever said. Ted Cruz isn't a fan. Neither is Chuck Grassley. Neither is the Family Research Council (a "hate group," according to the Southern Poverty Law Center). This is great.

Congratulations, Judge Nina Pillard. Now if you'll excuse me, I'll be getting her face tattooed on my inner thigh.