Austin Bay Blog

President Bush has just nominated Judge John Roberts to the Supreme Court. The man has an excellent professional resume’, but when did a superior resume’ ever inhibit DC’s got ‘cha politics? President Bush has asked for a confirmation process “with dignity and civility.” That would be a most welcome summer surprise for America. I see Senator Pat Leahy just said that it’s now “time for the Senate to do its work.” Let’s hope for work and not slander. “No one is entitled to a free pass” on a lifetime appointment, Leahy said. Leahy expects the next justice seated to serve through 2030. That’s about right. But Leahy also said it will take ” a fair amount of time” to look at the nomination. That’s a red flag. Bush has nominated a man with excellent professional and scholastic credentials. Leahy needs to understand that the Senate will also be on trial. Obsctructionism isn’t a crime but it is a political risk, and I think Americans are tiring of DC Got cha. That means obstructionism will be a political mistake.

UPDATE: Word is that Roberts is “well thought of” in DC — meaning he has social aplomb. That counts. It may not count in NY Times editorials but it will count in Senate votes. What does this mean down the road? Bet on a Roberts confirmation. Then Chief Justice Rehnquist will step down. Likely replacement? At this time I’d bet on a Justice Scalia as his replacement. Then who replaces the “Rehnquist/Scalia vacancy?” I don’t believe in crystal balls, but for conservatives Janice Rogers Brown is an attractive candidate. Here’s the Bush judicial strategy: The Roberts “sugar” comes first. Then the Brown chaser follows. For Democrats that’s a chaser with a dash of the bitters.

Time will tell.

UPDATE 2: Instapundit has lots of links, including a Roberts’ bio.