The appointment and confirmation process for federal judges in the United States is a complex interplay between the executive and legislative branches. According to Article II of the Constitution, the President has the power to nominate judges, but the Senate must provide advice and consent on these nominations. Historically, this process can be influenced by various political factors, such as partisanship, public opinion, and the composition of the Senate. In contemporary governance, certain judicial nominations have faced significant delays or challenges due to these influences.
Given this context, which of the following statements accurately describes a factor that can affect the appointment and confirmation process of federal judges in the U.S.?