Reply #3: the article doesn't explain what the "blue slip" thing is about

[Enrique]

according to Wikipedia, it has nothing to do with Monica Lewinsky

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_slip#cite_note-1

In the Senate, a blue slip is an opinion written by a Senator from the state of residence of a federal judicial nominee. Both senators from a nominee's state are sent a blue slip in which they may submit a favorable or unfavorable opinion of a nominee. (They may also choose not to return a blue slip.) The Senate Judiciary Committee takes blue slips into consideration when deciding whether or not to recommend the Senate confirm a nominee. It is a means through which the practice of senatorial courtesy is carried out.
Professor Brandon Denning has suggested that "the executive branch take a more active role in identifying and publicizing what it perceives to be abuses of the procedure during the confirmation process.”<2>