[4CJ]

IMHO Justice Thomas or Scalia are the only two worth considering for CJ. Both are brialliant and their decisions reflect their respect for the law as written, not injecting activism into their decisions. Neither relies on foreign law as a basis for decisions, as do 6 of the other justices (IIRC, only Thomas, Scalia and CJ Rehnquist have that position). I like Scalia's position on stare decisis, and Thomas' on states rights, but if it were my choice, I'd pick Thomas.

[Do not dub me shapka broham]

I tend to agree with that assessment.

Unless President Bush is planning on appointing someone like Estrada as an associate justice, then trying to get the Senate to confirm him as chief justice-I'm not sure if there is an historical precedent for this-I don't see what other choice he has.

Personally, I think that the most important issue right now is finding a suitable replacement for Justice Rehnquist, should-God forbid-he be unable to fulfill his juridical obligations in the months ahead.