[ken5050]

I hope the limb is very close to the ground...

[LisaFab]

Look at it this way ken. They know they have nothing to stop JR (Roberts). They also know their base will accept JR as CJ because he's "replacing" Rhenquist and not O'Connor.

So, in order to seem 'bi-partisan' for the next nomination (where they will really go full tilt), a few might peel off and vote for JR. It will give them cover for the BIG fight coming up whenever W announces the next nominee.