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...

[fooman]

Thomas is younger. Mid 50s. Could be chief justice for 25 years!!!!! hoo rahhh!

[Fiddlstix]

BTTT

[small voice in the wilderness]

November 2: Insert knife.
November 7: Twist.

[weshess]

Because they don't give a rat's behind about the advancement of colored people. They are race baiters that wish only to profit on the imagined grievances of a select few.

[lavrenti]

Well, I guess the cat's out of the bag.

[SkyPilot]

Yeah!

[SnakeGuy]

Bork is not going to happen. He has written far to much since his nomination.

[bill1952]

He writes the majority opinion.

Do I get a gold star? :)

[rwfromkansas]

I would love Scalia, but Thomas would be great. After the Anita crap, this guy deserves it.

[Sola Veritas]

I agree, this is a Drudge tease.

I like Judge Thomas and I am glad he is on the court. However, he is really a disciple of Scalia. It would make more sense to offer it to Scalia, except that Scalia is getting long in the tooth.

Would putting Thomas up for Chief Justice cause all that Anita Hill crap to be druge up again? If it would, I would rather pass on that.

Can anyone here give me a brief summary on the powers of the Chief Justice? Just how important is that position?

[daler]

It's a waste of time discussing either choice.

Anyone to the right of Geraldine Ferraro will be obstructed by the Dems (and more than a couple Republicans).

And we already know they can do it.

He might just as well nominate Bork.

[mhking]

Black conservative ping

If you want on (or off) of my black conservative ping list, please let me know via FREEPmail. (And no, you don't have to be black to be on the list!)

Extra warning: this is a high-volume ping list.

[dr_who_2]

Tactical reasons. I doubt the duck hunting trip has much to do with it. See above.

[hilaryrhymeswithrich]

Hey I don't mind a little teasing as long as you deliver in the end and I am fairly certain that W can/will deliver...swagger....

Didn't think there ws anything I would love more than last Tuesday or Dashole getting thumped, but this would do just fine...

[JessieHelmsJr]

They would have to provide one hell of a reason not to make him CJ.

[We Happy Few]

The Chief assigns the majority opinion to a particular Justice to write.

The Chief also is the representative of the Judiciary in its annual report to the other branches. So it is the Chief who says that more federal judges are needed or salaries have to be raised.

The Constitution specifies that the Chief shall preside at an impeachment trial in the Senate.

Informally, the Chief is expected to work for consensus among the Justices.

[Soul Seeker]

Thomas is brilliant, qualified, younger than Scalia, and also a minority. This makes him the natural choice to be the next Chief.

Also, keep in mind confirming justices will be a HUGE battle. Make the Dems deny a black man to fill the highest seat of the highest court in the land. Watch, Bush will also nominate an Hispanic for the court. He's going to nail the Dems where it hurts.

[TheRedSoxWinThePennant]

Scalia should be chief. I love clarence but Scalia has senority and im my non legal opinion is the most qualified

[anniegetyourgun]

I'm crazy over this idea. The legacy of "firsts" it will leave for BOTH Bush and Thomas will be fun to regale my grandchildren with someday.....