My personal view is that if she does well at the hearings, she will almost certainly be confirmed, in which case I agree with your analysis. But, if she in fact doesn't do well at the hearings, then what?
Well then I guess we get Clement (assuming Clement is smart) or maybe O'Connell is my guess. Other then Jones (too hot button probably), I don't know any other super smart women available with the right background. Do you?
Diane Sykes (7th Circuit) would be terrific. I'd be ecstatic about that scenario.
DOWN WITH MIERS - lolol