[Ol' Sparky]

"If Miers is confirmed and she winds up being what the president says she is, Republican senators who voted against her will look quite foolish," says a GOP insider. This could cause a backlash against these legislators from conservative Bush supporters at the grass roots.

And, if they end up voting for her and she ends up being another Souter or O'Connor, there careers could be over. What's a greater risk, angering an increasingly lame duck President or facing a voter backlash for supporting a liberal justice to the Supreme Court when you party held a 55-seat majority?

In fact, I see no downside to demanding a candidate with a proven track record.

[Cboldt]

In fact, I see no downside to demanding a candidate with a proven track record.

I see no upside to accepting a candidate of stealth, and big trouble if that becomes de rigour. Everybody is gambling in that scenario. What a nutty way to run a serious government.