Roberts to be confirmed as U.S. Chief Justice (AP) Updated: 2005-09-29 19:54
Democrats, even as they complained about his Reagan-era opinions and the
White House's refusal to release his paperwork from the George H.W. Bush
administration, acknowledged his brilliance and judicial demeanor.
"It is hard to see Judge Roberts as a judicial activist who would place
ideological purity or a particular agenda above or ahead the need for thoughtful
legal reasoning," said Sen. Ron Wyden (news, bio, voting record), D-Ore., one of
the Democrats supporting Roberts.
Added independent Sen. Jim Jeffords of Vermont, who often allies himself with
the Democrats: "It is clear Judge Roberts has the necessary legal experience and
character to be the chief justice."
Roberts has the potential of leading the Supreme Court for decades. Not since
John Marshall, confirmed in 1801 at 45, has there been a younger chief justice.
Oliver Ellsworth was 50 — about six weeks from turning 51; and John Jay, the
first chief justice, was 44. He served from 1789-1795.
Roberts also will hold a record of sorts — nominated to succeed two different
Supreme Court justices within seven weeks. Bush originally named him to succeed
retiring Justice Sandra Day O'Connor in July. Rehnquist's death led to the
second nomination on Sept. 6, and Roberts now will be confirmed as chief justice
while O'Connor remains on the court until the president selects a new
replacement.
Democrats already were warning the White House not to nominate a conservative
ideologue to replace O'Connor. Bush was expected to announce the nominee soon.
"While this nomination did not warrant an attempt to block the nominee on the
floor of the Senate, the next one might," Sen. Charles Schumer (news, bio,
voting record), D-N.Y., said.
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