BUSH CONSIDERS CLARENCE THOMAS FOR CHIEF JUSTICE

Drudge Report ^ | November 6, 2004

[RWR8189]

XXXXX DRUDGE REPORT XXXXX SUN NOV 07, 2004 19:02:37 ET XXXXX

BUSH CONSIDERS CLARENCE THOMAS FOR CHIEF JUSTICE

**Exclusive**

President Bush has launched an internal review of the pros and cons of nominating Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas as the chief justice if ailing William Rehnquist retires, the DRUDGE REPORT has learned.

A top White House source familiar with Bush's thinking explains the review of Thomas as chief justice is one of several options currently under serious consideration. But Thomas is Bush's personal favorite to take the position, the source claims.

"It would not only be historic, to nominate a minority as chief justice, symbolizing the president's strong belief in hope and optimism, but it would be a sound judicial move.... Justice Thomas simply has an extraordinary record."

One concern is the amount of political capital Bush would have to spend in congress to make the move.

A chief justice must be separately nominated by Bush and confirmed by the Senate, even if the person is already sitting on the court.

The need to replace Rehnquist could arise by year's end, Bush aides now believe.

Officially, Bush advisers call any Supreme Court vacancy talk premature.

Developing...

[Cowboy Bob]

I prefer Scalia, but Thomas would do fine!

[SE Mom]

OMG- BRILLIANT! This is such a wise man.

On the other hand...it IS Sunday night ...the Drudge tease.

[joonbug]

Probably just a trial balloon. The position isn't even available yet. I'm sure W has his ducks in order for when vacancies become available.

[orangelobster]

This is hilarious. Lefties heads will explode when they hear this rumor. Thomas would certainly make a good chief.

Nina Totenberg at NPR will have heart failure. The chiefs of the DNC will make blatantly rascist attacks on Thomas. If this is true, this will be big news.

[SnakeGuy]

Why do you like Thomas over Scalia?

[sinkspur]

Thomas is great, my second favorite justice, but Scalia is on a whole other level above all the justices.

Exactly. No one on the court holds a candle beside Scalia.

[Cicero]

Scalia or Thomas are the two obvious choices.

Either one would be A-OK with me.

But I have to say that I would just LOVE to see Thomas in that position. Thomas has been through fire and has emerged refined. He has returned to his religious roots. He has very sound basic ideas. And he's a lot smarter than he's credited for. And as a last bit of sauce, the liberals would just jump up and down with rage.

What a wonderful move this would be.

[Republican Wildcat]

Thomas is a few years younger than Scalia, isn't he?

[cynicom]

Uncle Tom Thomas will be the rallying cry to diss one of their own.

[OneTimeLurker]

I agree. I would like to see a non political reason not to give it to Scalia.

[tuckrdout]

Would be an excellent move.

[CWOJackson]

Who exactly selects the Chief Justice?

[JessieHelmsJr]

Wouldnt it be great if he renominated Bork?The damn Dems would go nuts.LOL

[RWR8189]

The President nominates him and he confirmed by the Senate IIRC.

[AuH2ORepublican]

That would be an excellent choice. Not only is Justice Thomas the most traditional strict-constructionist in the Court, he is also the only conservative Justice (other than Rehnquidt) with executive experience, having headed the EEOC during the Reagan years.

[GmbyMan]

Clarence Thomas is, IMO, the most admirable man in the public eye in the world today. Just think the courage he needs to do what he does day in and day out. Just think the names he has been called. He would be a wonderful choice for Supreme Court Justice. I am rooting for the next court to be called the "Thomas Court".

[tuckrdout]

You are right. Scalia is the one who should get the top spot. He has earned it, and is the best.

[TheLawyerFormerlyKnownAsAl]

"Judge Thomas is my personal favorite."

Over Scalia?

[Jewels1091]

the dems will scream...and no one will notice that they do...because he doesn't fall into their mold of what a Black American SHOULD be for them...then Bush is going to put (can't remember his name) the White House attorney he brought from Texas anf the dems will dcream again, because he doesn't fall into what an Hispanic is suppose to be for them.