Was Kristol overseas when Roberts was first nominated?
If Bush was prepared to nominate a conservative for the O'Connor seat then, there is no reason to believe he won't nominate a conservative now.
What a stupid question...
Because Roberts is undeniably a brilliant legal mind and is well liked even by his adversaries. Roberts was a brilliant pick to replace O'Conner because he has a boy scout background and is untouchable by his opponents. I don't think there is another real conservative who could get the free ride that Roberts got. Bush may very well go with a conservative, but the fight will be as bloody as they come. If it were the Rehnquist replacement, it would have made it much easier. It seems silly, but it is a fact. Liberals have been setting up this arguement to maintain the balance on the court for years now.