Filibuster Of Roberts Unlikely

Democrats Raise Concerns, But So Far None Voice Opposition

(CBS/AP)  Roberts didn't say much publicly Wednesday during a five-hour visit to the Capitol, except to praise the politicians who will vote on the first Supreme Court nomination in 11 years.

"I appreciate and respect the constitutional role of the Senate in the confirmation process," Roberts said after meeting with Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, R-Tenn., Majority Whip Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., and Judiciary chairman Arlen Specter, R-Pa.

While Democratic senators said such things as Roberts was "in the ballpark" of being a nonconfrontational selection, they refused to guarantee a smooth confirmation process.

"The nominee should be as clear and open as he possibly can in answering our questions," Leahy said.

Republicans predicted the outcome. "We intend to have a respectful process here and confirm you before the first Monday in October," when the court reconvenes, McConnell told Roberts.

The administration was taking no chances, enlisting former Sen. Fred Thompson, R-Tenn., to help smooth Roberts' path to confirmation.

Meanwhile, Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, who was at the fulcrum of early speculation as Bush's likely choice, said Thursday he understands Democrats will interrogate Roberts closely on his legal views, but said they shouldn't go too far.

Gonzales, appearing on CBS News' The Early Show, said questions about how someone will approach a case are appropriate. "But to inquire as to how someone is actually going to decide a case, I think, is inappropriate for a nominee to answer," he added.

Gonzales also insisted the administration had no "litmus test" on abortion.

"The president is forceful in saying we don't have a litmus test.
We've never asked the question of people being considered for the courts," Gonzales said. "So we expect John Roberts to come to the court with an open mind, without a personal agenda regarding this
issue or any other issue and simply listen to the arguments and
then interpret the law as he sees fit."

Meanwhile, an AP-Ipsos poll out Thursday said more than half of Americans, 52 percent, said they thought Roberts should have to state his position on abortion before he is confirmed, with women more likely than men to want to know his stance. Most of those surveyed — 59 percent — said they haven't heard enough about Roberts to form an opinion about him personally. But among those who had, 25 percent viewed him favorably and 14 percent unfavorably.

As Roberts paid courtesy calls on senators Wednesday, a conservative group bought TV ad time in support of his nomination. Abortion rights groups, meanwhile, staged protests against the nominee at the Supreme Court and the Capitol.

Progress for America, a conservative organization with ties to the administration, unveiled the opening salvo in an ad campaign designed to ensure confirmation. It stressed Roberts' resume of academic and professional accomplishments and public service — first in his class at Harvard Law School, confirmed by the Senate to his current position and lawyer in two presidential administrations.