Here comes the "Judd"? (Bush to appoint Gregg to bench?)

The Hotline | 10-13-02 | Hotline

[GraniteStateConservative]

According to a report in today's Hotline, "Bush is going to appoint his good friend, US Sen. Judd Gregg to a federal judgeship. Craig Benson would then appoint former Gov. Steve Merrill to fill Gregg's seat in the Senate"

Sen. Judd Gregg Education: Columbia U., A.B. 1969, Boston U., J.D. 1972, LL.M. 1975

Gov. Steve Merrill

[GraniteStateConservative]

NH Ping!

[ambrose]

We already have Souter. One NH judge is quite enough, thank you.

And didn't Merril get booted out of office by Shaheen?

[GraniteStateConservative]

No, Shaheen had never faced any GOP challenger of any quality until 2000-- Gordon Humphrey kept her below 50% of the vote. Sununu then beat the beast this year.

[for-q-clinton]

This is only for a federal judge position not the highest fed. judge position (SCOTUS). So there's not a problem with another NH appointee.

[billorites]

Oh, Ambrose I think you're wrong about Gregg.

As regards judgeships, "second times the charm." We'll get it right this time.

Judd Gregg is a principled guy with a track record.

More important, he's a Boston University graduate.

Nuff said.

[MAKnight]

NOOOOOOOOOO!!!

He's the GOP School Choice point-man and he's the Education Committee Chairman! He's a great Conservative (79% ACU rating over 17 years). Unless a Conservative would be replacing him, he should keep his ass right where he's at!

[NewHampshireDuo]

Oh, Ambrose I think you're wrong about Gregg. As regards judgeships, "second times the charm." We'll get it right this time. Judd Gregg is a principled guy with a track record.More important, he's a Boston University graduate. Nuff said.

I pretty much concur. While I've found Gregg a bit wimpy at times, generally he is on the RIGHT track.

[billorites]

"Unless a Conservative would be replacing him, he should keep his ass right where he's at! "

It depends whether you think a long tenure on the bench would be time better spent than in the Senate.

Gregg's still a pretty young guy.

[ambrose]

of course, it could just be that Gregg is tired of life in the senate and wants to retire. But by appointing him to the bench now, the GOP will have an incumbent senator in place for when the next election rolls along. Not a bad idea actually...

[GraniteStateConservative]

Bill Frist will replace him. He's not bad.

[billorites]

"I pretty much concur. While I've found Gregg a bit wimpy at times, generally he is on the RIGHT track. "

He's got more Conservative backbone than anyone I've seen since Mildred Thompson or Nackey Loeb.

[GraniteStateConservative]

Meldrim Thomson was a good conservative, too.

His grandson Simon was a field director for Team Sununu. He's handsome and smart and will likely end up in office soon.

[RJCogburn]

Wow! That is an interesting rumor.

Gregg is a good man and would be good on the bench, but possibly the waste of a good man on anything below SCOTUS.

Before he became a senator, and became more of an establishment 'go along to get along' player, he was a congressman from Bass's district. At that time I think he was a bit more libertarian in his outlook on government. Overall, I like this.

Merrill was a political charmer who was a decent governor, though he instituted the business enterprise tax which was a new 'income tax' on professions. I think he'd be good in the Senate, but he lied, and knew it, during the 96 primary when he backed Dole and made commercials saying Forbes' flat tax plan would increase the tax burden on a lot of NH citizens. So, there is a bit of shady politician there. All in all, though, a pretty good trade, better than Sparky Lyle for Danny Cater.

[GraniteStateConservative]

Do you think there's any chance Merrill could lose in 2004?

[calenel]

Gregg should stay right where he is. He is securing a seat in the Senate that could be in jeopardy if he leaves. There are too many Taxachusetts liberals here that have forgotten why they moved from MA in the first place.

[Dems_R_Losers]

Kewl. This year Gregg gets a federal judgeship, next year the Supreme Court!! Maybe even Chief Justice!! Absolutely brilliant strategery by President Bush. How could any of the troll Dems who want to be President vote against a judge nominee from NEW HAMPSHIRE and a fellow Senator to boot?

Damn, these guys and gals in the White House are good!!!!

[NH Liberty]

"...he's a Boston University graduate. Nuff said.

Please fill me in on this...What exactly does being a BU graduate mean???

[section9]

Looks like Gregg is headed to the Appelate Court system, eventually. Not to SCOTUS, however. When Rehnquist decides to go play golf for a living, his replacement will be Orrin Hatch.

Oh God, I just had a nightmare! Bush wakes up with a brainfart and nominates Arlen "Scottish Law" Specter for Chief Justice.

Just kidding....

Be Seeing You,

Chris

[Torie]

Hatch is way too old. I am surprised Gregg would go for a district federal judge position. He must be bored with his job.