Roberts gets promoted

September 5, 2005

In the unlikely event you haven’t heard, John Roberts is no longer Bush’s nominee to replace Sandra Day O’Connor — now he’s Bush’s nominee to replace William Rehnquist.

President Bush on Monday nominated Judge John Roberts to succeed the late William H. Rehnquist as chief justice of the United States.

“It is fitting that a great chief justice be followed in office by a person who shared his deep reverence for the Constitution, his profound respect for the Supreme Court and his complete devotion to the cause of justice,” Bush said from the White House, with the judge by his side.

First thought: Antonin Scalia, who’d been rumored to want the slot, must be at home pretty annoyed right now.

Second thought: I heard a rumor late yesterday that Alberto Gonzales is, again, Bush’s top choice for the high court. Will the GOP base go for this? Apparently not.

Stay tuned.

Dems can easily filibuster here & say “Let’s sort out Katrina first.” You know, “is this really a priority for our country” and all that rhetoric. And people would buy it.

It works out even better for the Dems because they right now have a majority on the court. The only question I have is whether the SCOTUS can legally run with seven justices.

  • The only question I have is whether the SCOTUS can legally run with seven justices.

    It can. But just as importantly, keep in mind that Sandra Day O’Connor has not officially retired — she said she’d step down once her replacement had been confirmed. Until that happens, Justice O’Connor is still on the job and is conducting court business.

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