Reid suggests Republican lawmakers for high court (How nice of him...)

Reuters ^ | June 28, 2005 | Thomas Ferraro

[RWR8189]

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Senate Democratic leader Harry Reid suggested on Tuesday that four of his Republican colleagues be considered by President Bush if a vacancy occurs on the U.S. Supreme Court.

Seeking a possible consensus nominee, Reid recommended Republican Sens. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, Mel Martinez of Florida, Mike DeWine of Ohio and Mike Crapo of Idaho.

Reid described them all as bright and able lawyers who would be strong additions to the nation's highest court.

"We have had approximately 10 members of the Supreme Court that came from the United States Senate over the years," Reid told reporters.

"There are people who serve in the Senate now who are Republicans who I think would be outstanding Supreme Court members," Reid said.

There had been widespread speculation that a resignation could come soon on the Supreme Court. But uncertainty rose on Monday when the court ended its term for the year without any announced departures.

Still, court observers say there could be a resignation on the aging federal bench in the days, weeks or months ahead.

Reid, who has conferred with Senate Republican leader Bill Frist on the possibility of a Supreme Court opening, said he has made his suggestions to "anyone who will listen."

Reid and fellow Democrats have urged Bush to consult with them before making a nomination, which the Senate would then be asked to confirm.

Earlier on Tuesday, Frist said, "I've made some suggestions" to the White House on potential nominees, but declined to disclose names.

"They are reaching out for suggestions," Frist said after giving a speech at the Heritage Foundation, a conservative group. He added, "I don't have any inside information" about who the nominee could be.

Another senator who has been mentioned as a possible Supreme Court nominee is Republican John Cornyn of Texas, a former member of the Texas Supreme Court and the only senator with appellate court experience.

Asked if Bush should consider Cornyn, Reid shrugged and said, "I've told you (the ones) I think he should consider."

Graham and DeWine were among seven Senate Republicans who joined seven Senate Democrats in reaching a compromise last month on Bush's most contentious appeals court nominees.

The accord cleared the way for the confirmation of a number of Bush's nominees, but preserved the right of Democrats to block others "under extraordinary circumstances."

Cornyn was among those who have criticized the accord, which could face a major test with a Supreme Court nomination.

[defconw]

Sessions is older than Cornyn so I would put him first. LOL

[firewalk]

"I've told you (the ones) I think he should consider."

thanks for the ping

[OESY]

Reid can't be serious



Yesterday Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid proposed four candidates for the Supreme Court:

Reid said he has proposed four Republican senators as possible Supreme Court justices: Mike Crapo of Idaho, Mike DeWine of Ohio, Lindsey Graham of South Carolina and Mel Martinez of Florida. All are experienced lawyers with conservative voting records.

This proposal only highlights how unserious the Democrats are. So now, according to Harry Reid, all you need is to be is a lawyer who has a moderate reputation to get nominated to the Supreme Court.

Where is the body of jurisprudence upon which we could judge these Senators?

A Supreme Court nominee preferably would be a judge who through years of sitting on the bench has distinguished himself through a multitude of opinions that demonstrate consistency and a commitment the constitution. No doubt these Senators are committed to the constitution, but they are not serious SCOTUS candidates.

Harry Reid knows that, but he is playing politics before an opening on the Court has even been announced. I suppose we should not be surprised at that.


* * *


Meanwhile, Supreme Court approval plummets

American's are less happy with the Supreme Court today than in the past, per Ed Henry on CNN's Inside Politics:

"...as washington waits to find out if chief justice william rehnquist plans to return to the blench this fall or retire our new poll shows public opinion of the high court has plummeted. 42% of americans now say they approve of how the supreme court is handling its job. a 9 point drop from last year and an 18 point drop from 2002."

-- chappy22, fromthebleachers.blogspot.com/

[Valin]

I have serveal suggestions for dingy harry. Of course they are (for the most part) illegal, immoral, and physically....doubtful.

[Valin]

Thank you Senator Reid for your (fine) suggestions. Rest assured that I will give them all the consideration that they deserve.

G. Bush

[YaYa123]

Y'all just remember that weeks ago, I suggested Bush could do worse than nominating Joe Lieberman to the Supreme Court.

(Orin Hatch would kill to be on the Supreme Court)

[YaYa123]

"Bush needs to start a rumor he is nominating John Ashcroft"

Oh my, you are wicked!

[maggief]

Graham and DeWine ... why am I not surprised?

[defconw]

I like it! Ashcroft, will give Reid heartburn at very least.

[Mo1]

Seeking a possible consensus nominee, Reid recommended Republican Sens. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, Mel Martinez of Florida, Mike DeWine of Ohio and Mike Crapo of Idaho.

Well it would explain why Lindsey is sucking up to the Dems these days

[Peach]

Yup.

[Howlin]

No comment.

[tiredoflaundry]

Reid takes us for fools!

[My2Cents]

Bush: "I'll see your Lindsey Graham, and I'll raise you a John Ashcroft, Senator."

[longtermmemmory]

smoking Crack is the only thing that keeps Reid at his present level of "Mr. Excitement".

[operation clinton cleanup]

I think Reid needs to consult with the President before he starts submitting nominees... what a world class A-hole!