[Tennessean4Bush]

The appellate courts are almost evenly divided right now. If we really can get 6 or 7 new appointees through, we'll be in control of the federal judiciary for the first time in decades.

Several are, you are right. In fact, I think if these nominees are truly conservative, it will tip the balance on 4 or 5 appelate courts. The one that we are hopelessly behind on though is the biggest court in California that controls most of the West. I believe it is the 9th circuit.

The holy grail though, is the Supreme Court. Bush will get 2, possibly 3, nominees, IMHO. If all are conservative, and Scalia becomes Chief Justice, we really will control the judiciary.

[cicero's_son]

The 9th circuit is a lost cause. We will not control it for at least a generation, if ever. And that is acceptable, so long as we have at least one or two other districts firmly in hand.

I think this compromise bodes well for Bush's supreme court nominees. Graham and DeWine will not oppose them, and I think that there will be significant pressure on the 7 Democrats to permit a vote as well.

The more time that passes, the better this deal is going to look for our side.