[Dems_R_Losers]

CJ is the most important position to fill. Because Roberts is well along in the confirmation process and appears to be acceptable to the Gang of 14, it makes perfect sense to nominate him and then worry later about the new Associate Justice. It would be bad for the Court to start a new term without a Chief.

The question now is what Arlen Specter will do. Will he delay Roberts' hearing because it is now a confirmation hearing for the CJ? And if so, for how long? Will he reverse his stand on release of Roberts' Deputy Solicitor papers, and demand their release now?

And will the Dems use this opportunity to pile on the President for Katrina? Will there be a public backlash if they do?

[Dems_R_Losers]

I meant to add that I have thought all along that Bush wanted Roberts as Chief, and would have moved to elevate him had Rehnquist lived until Roberts was confirmed as Associate Justice. This just messes up the timing a bit.

I don't think Scalia wanted to be Chief. I won't be surprised to see him retire after this term, and he would have been obligated to stay on for life if he had been made Chief. Plus he knew the confirmation process would have been bloody and exhausting for him.

[Old_Mil]

Because Roberts is well along in the confirmation process and appears to be acceptable to the Gang of 14...

I think this is what has been worrying me about Roberts. The opposition to Robert's nomination from the left - and especially from the liberal wing of the Republican party - has seemed to me like token resistance thus far. It hasn't had the flavor of the knock-down-drag-outs that came when Clarence Thomas and Judge Bork were under consideration.