Yesterday Scott McClellan denied knowing if White House officials quizzed Roberts on his positions on key issues:
Q But was he vetted on hot-button issues --
MR. McCLELLAN: I haven't heard any discussion about that whatsoever, Jessica, and I do not -- I have no knowledge of that whatsoever. It's not the way that the President has tended to approach nominations to the bench. He does not have a litmus test. Others may have litmus tests, but the President said, I don't have a litmus test, and he's publicly said before those are not questions that he gets into.
However, leaders of the nation's leading pro-family organizations seemed to be quite confident of the litmus test results. An article at family.org describes the overwhelming support for Roberts from pro-family organizations:
Pro-family legal experts who know Roberts best say they are extremely pleased with the pick.
James Dobson -
Focus on the Family
"Judge Roberts is an unquestionably qualified attorney and judge with impressive experience in government and the private sector," said James C. Dobson, Ph.D., chairman of Focus on the Family Action. "He has demonstrated at every stop on his career path the legal acumen, judicial temperament and personal integrity necessary to be a Supreme Court justice."
Tony Perkins - Family Research Council
Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council, agreed, calling Roberts an "exceptionally well-qualified and impartial nominee."
"Judge Roberts is widely respected for his fair judgments, intellect and integrity," Perkins noted, "all things qualifying him to serve as the next Supreme Court justice."
Listen to what these leaders have to say about Roberts at Justice Sunday II. Their strong statements of support may offer some useful ammunition for the Senate confirmation hearings. There is an important battle that needs to be fought.