Why should Bush appoint Gonzales if Stevens retires ?
You seem to be suggesting that a conservative president owes it to the left-wing to appoint someone who is acceptable to them.
Clinton nominated two hard line liberals. Why should George W. Bush do anything to appease a few screaming Democrats in Congress by appointing so-called "moderates" ?
"Why should Bush appoint Gonzales if Stevens retires ?"
I guess it depends on whether we could use the nuclear option if the Dems filibustered. If so, then I agree to push through a more conservative guy. But if the RINO 7 hold firm in their compromise, then I see no chance that a guy like Luttig wouldn't be successfully filibustered. No use nominating a guy if he can't be confirmed.
And Gonzalez isn't exactly a liberal, you know. Much more conservative than, say, Souter.