why were Wilkinson and Kozinski so opposed at confirmation?

[freepcrusher]

I mean this was in the mid 80s when most nominees would get by without any no votes. Both were/are obviously conservative but they weren't the worst of that period by a long shot. Like both would hire clerks with differing views and both were "feeder judges". Edith Jones, who was confirmed around the same time, was/is far worse than either of them and I'm pretty sure she got in without any no votes.

Kozinski probably had nothing to do with ideology and everything to do with him having a reputation of being an asshole.

Wilkinson is something I'm not sure about. Did he say something that offended someone?

[Donerail]

Wilkinson was a 39-year-old law professor with very little practice experience (below the ABA standards for experience at the time). Kozinski was even younger and a well-known abusive boss.

[President Punxsutawney Phil]

Well, this is the first time I heard these names. You learn something new every day.

[H.E. VOLODYMYR ZELENKSYY]

Well, this is the first time I heard these names. You learn something new every day.

Kozinski - before he got MeTooed - was semi-known for being a Funny Judge(TM).