Roberts Nominated for Rehnquist position

Matthew 10: 16: "Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves."

The death of Chief Justice Rehnquist and the resignation of Judge Sandra Day O'Connor left two vacancies on the US Supreme Court. There were a few choices for President Bush. One was to name another to fill the CJ seat and have the Senate fight two nominees, immediately. Another was to name one of the sitting Associate Judges to take the CJ position, which would also mean the same. Two fights in the Senate, getting nowhere. Or the third choice, to name Roberts to take Rehnquist's seat, leaving O'Connor's seat potentially vacant, possibly temporarily filled, as she had said she would be open to continuing serving until she was replaced.

No matter what he decided, any Bush nominee will be challenged by the Senate Democrats and many special interest groups. If he chose a more moderate to liberal person, his own voters would be challenging his nominee, and if he stays with his spoken intent to choose someone who interprets the Constitution as the founders meant it, it will be challenged by the other side, as has been happening.

By renominating his current candidate for the newly opened position, Bush has given himself time to find another choice for O'Connor's seat, and probably guaranteed a full Supreme Court until his next one is introduced. He also may have avoided a long drawn out process for two by doing this, as the Senate can now continue to concentrate on just the Robert's nomination.

President Bush Nominates John Roberts to Succeed William Rehnquist As Top Court's Chief Justice

Monday, September 05, 2005 09:47:27 AM