ConfirmThem

By Erick Posted in SCOTUS — Comments () / Email this page » / Leave a comment »

Sources close to the White House tell me that earlier this year, when word came that Rehnquist might resign, the President actively considered Roberts for the spot given Roberts's temperment, administrative abilities, etc. Rehnquist's death, though sad, resolved the President's desire to do so.

As for O'Connor, I'm told that the President will try to avoid re-inventing the wheel and will go back to those he's already looked at, including Jones, Clement, Luttig, McConnell, Gazra, Wilkinson, and Senator John Cornyn.

My sources tell me that the odds do increase now that the President will pick a female to replace O'Connor. Conservatives are heavily pushing Edith Jones, but many think Jones would cause the expenditure of too much political capital, though conservatives would relish the opportunity for that fight.

I am told that privately Alberto Gonzales has taken his name out of consideration. It is understood that a Gonzales pick would ruin the President with core supporters at a moment that he very much needs them. Further, thinking has shiftly slowly over the past few months that Gonzales, due to his handling of affairs at the Justice Department, would have an extremely challenging confirmation.