Free Republic

WASHINGTON (AP) - The Senate is taking up what may be the most controversial of President Bush's judicial nominees, with Republicans calling for a quick confirmation of Washington lawyer Miguel Estrada while Democrats are demanding a thorough examination of his credentials. Attorney General John Ashcroft plans to personally call for Estrada's confirmation, showing the Bush administration's deep desire to get the Honduran native on the District of Columbia Circuit Court of Appeals, a stepping stone for three current justices on the Supreme Court. Democrats plan to stand in Estrada's way. Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., one of the leading opponents to...