[hchutch]

They have a reason: It's called Bush v. Gore. No, if there is a pick of the reliable conservative people on the court, it would be Thomas, particularly AFTER the Trent Lott fiasco.

Combine it with a SCOTUS appointment that is Hispanic - not Al Gonzales, but instead, Emilio Garza, from the 5th Circuit. Viet Dinh, one of the Division heads at DOJ, might be a surprise pick as well.

[Congressman Billybob]

On a purely theoretical basis, Justice Thomas would be an excellent choice for Chief Justice. The more of his opinions and speeches I read, the higher goes my respect for him both as a man and as a Justice. However....

President Bush will make no nomination for Chief Justice (usually but not always from among the sitting Justices) nor of anyone to replace a Justice who resigns, without first consulting with that person. I don't think that Justice Thomas will be willing to go through the same meat grinder one more time, if he is nominated for Chief Justice.

I would not blame him one bit for making that decision for himself and his family. If so, then Justice Thomas is off the list for Chief Justice even though his judicial philosophy and relatively young age and good health all well qualify him for that position.

My reading of the tea leaves of the Court is that Thomas will take himself out of the running (quietly and privately) when Chief Justice Rehnquist resigns after the current term is concluded in June. My estimation is that at least two, maybe three, Justices will resign at that time.

Congressman Billybob

Click for latest column on UPI, "Incision Decision in the Senate" (Not yet on UPI wire, or FR.)

As the politician formerly known as Al Gore has said, Buy my book, "to Restore Trust in America"