Yep. That is the alternative. I suppose he didn't promise strict constuctionsists either, since that's what conservatives are looking for and Scalia and THomas happen to be benchmarks to disambiguate "strict constructionist."
Posted on October 15th, 2005 at 8:23 pm. About 'A Civil Civil War'.
And then (arguably going to the right of Anthony (sic) Scalia who thinks the term is too strict) the famous interaction in 2004 which Professor Bainbridge provides good analysis of at http://www.professorbainbridge.com/2005/10/hewitt_and_mirg.html
GOV BUSH: The most primary issuethe most primary issue is will they strictly interpret the Constitution of the United States?
MR. RUSSERT: Will your judges and judge appointments to the Supreme Court be similar to Scalia in their temperament and judicial outlook?
GOV. BUSH: Well, I dont think youre going to find many people to be actually similar to him. Hes an unusual man. Hes an intellect. The reason I like him so much is I got to know him here in Austin when he came down. Hes witty, hes interesting, hes firm. Theres a lot of reasons why I like Judge Scalia. And I like a lot of the other judges as well. I mean, its kind of a harsh question to ask because it now pits mesome of whom are friends of mine. I mean, itsand so, in all due respect, Judge Thomas.
http://www.confirmthem.com/?p=1611