[planter]

There has been some worry expressed in the past fews hours over how the loss of the Senate would affect Supreme Court nomination(s) that are expected in the near future. This issue hasn't been discussed in great detail. Does anybody have some insight on what happens if Bush appointees are continuously turned down by the Senate, whether it be by committee or otherwise? Does the court continue to view cases with only eight on the bench?

[NinoFan]

The Court can continue to hear cases with only eight justices, yes.

[uncbob]

ow the loss of the Senate would affect Supreme Court nomination(s)

Ain't just the Supreme Court
It is a lot of federal judgeships

GOP and Rove should have made it a national issue

[right-wingin_It]

Does the court continue to view cases with only eight on the bench?

I believe it can, but it would be unsightly...Bush has the upper hand in that he has a deep bench and can send many candidates for the open slot. Dmes can get away with not approving 1 or 2 of them, but any more than that is gonna look real unsightly. Dems don't want to piss off half the country because they wont approve any Bush nominee. After all, a presidential election is on the horizon, and they'd also kiss their recent gains away (gains provided from moderates and independants in a larger than expected voter turnout)

[Mad_Tom_Rackham]

Maybe Harriet Miers gets a do-over?