[Howlin]

There is absolutely NO WAY something will delay the confirmation hearings once the nomination is made.

[hophead]

"There is absolutely NO WAY something will delay the confirmation hearings once the nomination is made."

Did you hear Schummer, Pelosi and Reid? To paraphrase, there is no need to hurry because O'Connor said in her resignation letter she would stay on until her replacement was "confirmed". Not nominated, confirmed. The only way this SCOTUS process will go somewhat smooth and on schedule is if GW nominates some "moderate". Which I see as not impossible givin GW's moderate view on many things. If a "conservative" is nominated, all hell is going to break loose. I guarantee it will be like nothing we have seen in a generation. It will make Clarence Thomas' hearings seem like a tea party.