Reid:
U.S. Senate Democratic leader Harry Reid suggested on Tuesday that four of his Republican colleagues be considered by President Bush if a vacancy occurs on the U.S. Supreme Court.
Seeking a possible consensus nominee, Reid recommended Republican Sens. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, Mel Martinez of Florida, Mike DeWine of Ohio and Mike Crapo of Idaho.
Reid described them all as bright and able lawyers who would be strong additions to the nation's highest court.
Interesting bunch. We're going to have a conservative replace Rehnquist if he retires, and all four of these would likely be an improvement for our side. My choice would be Alberto Gonzales, torture lover that he is. Fact is, he would be the most likely to become the next Souter. But for that reason, he's vehemetly opposed by
rank and file conservatives.
Of Reid's four, Graham is the most capable, by far. I've heard about a DSCC poll floating around showing DeWine extremely vulnerable in Ohio to a Sherod Brown challenge (reelects in the 30s). Coupled with yesterday's SUSA poll showing Bush tanking in Ohio, and the state's imploding GOP over the Coingate scandals, and suddenly Bush has a good incentive to rescue DeWine with a promotion.
Conservatives are hoping Bush has two retirements to work with, with O'Connor being the second. But given O'Connor's recent turn to the left on issues like the Death Penalty, and her contiinued strong support for Roe, it's hard to see her surrendering her seat under this administration.
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