Roberts' Pundits Start Rolling

While Supreme Court nominee John G. Roberts is considered a strong conservative, senators considered him so non-controversial that they unanimously skipped over a recorded vote to push him into a lower court.

Whether U.S. Appeal Judge Roberts will get that kind of support for the nation's highest court is still unknown, but it augurs well for his bid to replace retiring Justice Sandra Day O'Connor.

"It's a good choice," said Sen. John Warner, R-Va., a member of the powerful "Gang of 14" that recently prevented a Senate meltdown over judicial filibusters. When asked whether Roberts could be confirmed easily, Warner said, "I wouldn't predict anything, but it's certainly a good place to start."

Another member of the "Gang of 14", Sen. Joseph Lieberman, D-Conn., told the Hartford Courant last Thursday that Roberts would be one of three picks he thought would not spark a talk-a-thon, or a filibuster.

Seven Democrats and seven Republicans signed a pact in May not to filibuster judicial nominees except in extraordinary circumstances. At the same time, the senators agreed to oppose attempts by GOP leaders to change filibuster procedures.

Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., said he would not prejudge Roberts' nomination before the hearing.

"The president has chosen someone with suitable legal credentials, but that is not the end of our inquiry," Reid said. "The Senate must review Judge Roberts' record to determine if he has a demonstrated commitment to the core American values of freedom, equality and fairness."

Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., the 2004 Democratic presidential nominee, said "Judge Roberts is no Sandra Day O'Connor."

"Americans deserve a Supreme Court that is fair, independent, ethical and served by justices committed to our constitutional freedoms rather than an ideological agenda. Justice O'Connor refused to use her position as a means to advance a political agenda. In replacing her, we must be confident Judge Roberts will do the same,'' said Kerry.

Republicans sitting on the Senate Judiciary Committee, who will take the first vote on Roberts, immediately praised the pick.

Roberts is "a judge who sees himself a fair umpire who will fairly construe the Constitution and be faithful to it," said Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-Ala., a former Appeals Court nominee who was blocked by Democrats.

Added Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, a former judge: "Judge Roberts is an exceptional judge, brilliant legal mind, and a man of outstanding character who understands his profound duty to follow the law. ... It is clear to me that Judge Roberts' history has prepared him well for the honor of serving this country on our nation's highest court."

Some other reactions:

"The president has chosen someone with suitable legal credentials, but that is not the end of our inquiry. The Senate must review Judge Roberts' record to determine if he has a demonstrated commitment to the core American values of freedom, equality and fairness." — Senate minority leader Harry Reid, D-Nev.

"Judge Roberts is the kind of outstanding nominee that will make America proud. He embodies the qualities America expects in a justice on its highest court: someone who is fair, intelligent, impartial and committed to faithfully interpreting the Constitution and the law." — Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, R-Tenn.

"We are extremely disappointed that President Bush has chosen such a divisive nominee for the highest court in the nation, rather than a consensus nominee who would protect individual liberty and uphold Roe v. Wade." — NARAL Pro-Choice America.

Roberts "rules based on the application of existing laws and specific facts of the cases before him, rather than making new laws or creating new policies based on personal opinion." — Sean Rushton, director of the conservative Committee for Justice.

"I look forward to the Committee's findings so that I can make an informed decision about whether Judge Roberts is truly a guardian of the rule of law who puts fairness and justice before ideology." — Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y.

"Senate Democrats, especially those seeking re-election next year, should know that we will be watching them carefully. If they again attempt to attack a nominee's faith or pro-life convictions, their constituents will know about it and they will be held accountable." — Father Frank Pavone, national director, Priests for Life.

"John Roberts' record raises serious concerns as well as questions about where he stands on crucial legal and constitutional issues. Replacing O'Connor with someone who is not committed to upholding Americans' rights, liberties and legal protections would be a constitutional catastrophe." — Ralph Neas, president of the liberal People for the American Way.

"He's the kind of judge that all of us want — someone committed to applying the law impartially rather than legislating from the bench." — Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah.

"The burden is on a nominee to the Supreme Court to prove that he is worthy, not on the Senate to prove he is unworthy." — Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y.

"Without prejudging the nominee, I do believe Judge Roberts' record raises questions about his commitment to the right to privacy, protection of the environment and other important issues." — Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif.

"Liberal pressure groups will insist that Senate Democrats filibuster against Judge Roberts, unless he pledges in advance to vote against allowing elected legislators to place meaningful limits on abortion." — Douglas Johnson, legislative director of the National Right to Life Committee.

"I'm hopeful that in the coming weeks we can avoid vicious character assassinations and attacks in this confirmation process." — Sen. George Allen, R-Va.

"I can't help but think that he will continue to impress as a person of fairness, thoughtfulness and just the kind of judge who will bring a nonpolitical approach to judging. ... I think he's going to be well received." — Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-Ala.

"He's brilliant. ... He's someone who is I think obviously well respected on both sides of the aisle. At a time when circuit court nominees were being filibustered left and right, he just really sailed through his confirmation." — Sen. Rick Santorum, R-Pa.

"This is a task so important that partisan politics must be set aside." — Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, R-Texas.

"I urge the Senate to move swiftly to hold hearings and give Judge Roberts an up or down vote. Quick action will ensure that both branches — the Congress and the Supreme Court — can return to their normal process without long, distracting partisan disruption." — House Speaker Dennis Hastert, R-Ill.