http://www.aim.org/media_monitor/A308_0_2_0_C/sendpage/index.php
Cliff Kincaid:
But many stories from the campaign period are quite clear about what Bush said. As noted by the Associated Press, "Throughout the year, Bush tried to frame the issue in terms of philosophy, saying his ideal nominees would base their judgments strictly on the words of the Constitution. Pressed to name a justice who fits that mold, Bush pointed to Scalia and Thomas."
Bush said about Scalia: "The reason I like him so much is I got to know him here in Austin when he came down" for a visit. Bush said of him, "He's witty, he's interesting, he's firm." Asked whether he thought Thomas was "the most qualified man" Bush's father could have appointed to the high court, the former Texas governor replied, "I do." Bush said that when it came to appointments to the court, "I'll put competent judges on the bench, people who will strictly interpret the Constitution and will not use the bench to write social policy."
Yes, I know. I believe he's stated many times that he'd appoint constructionists to the bench and that he admired Scalia and Thomas. The question was on a direct quote from Bush. It's been repeated many times that Bush actually said he'd "...appoint justices in the mold of Scalia and Thomas." But I have not been successful in finding where he actually stated those exact words... "in the mold of Scalia" etc. If someone knows where he said these words, I'd sure like to see it.