The lawmakers are organizing a Capitol Hill press conference as early as this week to decry what Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.) called “the appalling lack of African American representation” among Obama’s nominees, particularly in the 11th Circuit, which includes Georgia, Florida and Alabama.

The Democrats also contend several of Obama’s nominees have championed policies that either discriminate against minorities, or are just plain racist.

“We have very grave concerns [with certain nominees] given disparities that are particularly common in the South,” Norton said Thursday in a telephone interview.

The outcry is a rare public split between Obama and his staunchest allies.