Hmmmm

I don't know what to think about this yet.

Bush Nominates Roberts for Chief Justice---

WASHINGTON - President Bush on Monday nominated John Roberts to succeed William H. Rehnquist as chief justice and called on the Senate to confirm him before the Supreme Court opens its fall term on Oct. 3. Just 50 years old, Roberts could shape the court for decades to come.

The Senate is expected to begin his confirmation hearings as chief justice either Thursday or next Monday. The opening of Roberts' previously scheduled confirmation hearings, for the position of associate justice, initially was to be Tuesday, but that was canceled until after Rehnquist's funeral on Wednesday.

The swift move would promote to the Supreme Court's top job a newcomer who currently is being considered as one of eight associate justices. It would also ensure a full 9-member court, because retiring Justice Sandra Day O'Connor has said she will remain on the job until her replacement is confirmed.

"I am honored and humbled by the confidence the president has shown in me," Roberts said, standing alongside Bush in the Oval Office. "I am very much aware that if I am confirmed I would succeed a man I deeply respect and admire, a man who has been very kind to me for 25 years."

"He's a man of integrity and fairness and throughout his life he's inspired the respect and loyalty of others," Bush said. "John Roberts built a record of excellence and achievement and reputation for goodwill and decency toward others in his extraordinary career."

I'm not certain whether I approve or disapprove yet. We do not know much about John Roberts, so he is somewhat a wildcard. I don't want him to turn into a David Souter.

Yet, if Roberts is a good, staunch Conservative, then he is an excellent choice as chief justice. As noted in the article, he is only 50 years old. Barring an early death or retirement, John Roberts could have a tremendous impact on the court.

In general, I would prefer Antonin Scalia or Clarence Thomas, two excellent men and justices. They have proven track records and are reliably moral men.

I hope the President is right in his choice. He owes us that much for returning him to office and winning the last three elections.