>>>Why not pick someone who has an established record and will get 51 votes?
There is no assurance you'd get the 51...the RINOs in the gang of 14 would tip the scale...
If you nominate Rogers Brown, Luttig, or Jones, the number becomes 60, as the Democrats would surely filibuster (they already tipped their hand). Charles Schumer sent the veiled warning before the nomination. There's no telling what was spoken behind closed doors.
As for the Constitutional Option (not the nuclear option), the RINO Gang of 14 has enough "power" to keep it from being exercised.
President Bush is the consummate poker player when it comes to these matters. I haven't worked with Ms. Miers, so I don't have the ability to say that she isn't the most qualified.
I think it would be prudent for all of us to take a deep breath and actually watch the proceedings.