There has got to be a reason for this strategy. If you are going to look for reasons, you must look at the requirements for confirmation.
It all comes down to politics in the Senate. My perception is that the Brains at the Whitehouse believe they can't get a known conservative through the Seven Dwarves. They could have nominated someone that was a known quantity, but wasn't as conservative as Owens or JRB. That could have happened, I'm sure that would work. None of us would be happy.
What we have is an undisclosed strategy with an unknown candidate. I'll put up a straw man, that you are free to knock down with logic, that the intent is to try to force an Idealogue on the court in this manner.
Theres no proof to substantiate this, or discount it, it's just a strong possibility. Stronger than the possibility that they are strategically planning to fail. I'm paranoid, but I don't think they are purposely planning to sneak a moderate on the bench.
I have ZERO faith in the Snow Frist and his Seven Dwarves. I don't see any proof that they can deliver what we really want. But, maybe we can get what we need. They came up tiny on the nuclear option. If you can you honestly guaruntee me that the senate will deliver a JRB then I am there. But, I'm not at all confident when it comes to these guys. They are WORTHLESS.
I know that is not satisfying. I also have a problem with it. Read my posts. But, that is the stomach churning probable truth of the matter. You have seven RINO Senators to thank for that the way I make sense of the situation.
No Conservative should entrust Snowe, Collins, Chaffee, McCain, et. al., to carry the waters of Conservatism. It's wildly insane to give them such a responsibility.