Conservative groups wasted little time Tuesday evening issuing statements declaring their support for John G. Roberts, Jr., President Bush??¢â???¬â???¢s choice for the Supreme Court. Roberts is a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.
The following is a sampling of the views offered on Roberts.
Committee for Justice Chairman C. Boyden Gray:
??¢â???¬?????John Roberts has had one of the most distinguished legal careers in modern times. His outstanding education and career, high character, and faithfulness to the Constitution make him an excellent fit for the court at this moment. His nomination is a solid first step towards returning the federal judiciary to its proper role in our system.
??¢â???¬?????While we know liberal senators will resort to hyperbole against Judge Roberts, we call on moderate and red state Democratic senators such as Ben Nelson (Neb.), Joe Lieberman (Conn.), and Mark Pryor (Ark.) to ensure a fair and respectful confirmation process. It seems to us that a justice who will not use his power to redefine traditional marriage, strike under God from the Pledge of Allegiance, and undermine private property rights is well within the mainstream of American public opinion and legal thought.??¢â???¬
Center for Individual Freedom President Jeff Mazzella:
??¢â???¬?????Judge Roberts is an outstanding nominee. Judge Roberts is a well-qualified, mainstream choice who will stand up for the Constitution and reject the temptation to legislate from the bench. He has a clear record demonstrating that he understands that the Constitution is the supreme law of the land, not an evolving set of flexible guidelines. With Judge Roberts??¢â???¬â???¢s nomination, President Bush has kept his campaign promise to select a Supreme Court justice who will put the Constitution first.
??¢â???¬?????Already, liberals and their special interest puppet masters are promising a war. But instead of making the confirmation process a war, Senators should make sure that the process is fair. And it must include a simple up-or-down vote on the Senate floor. Most important, the nominee deserves to be treated with the dignity and respect befitting a Supreme Court Justice. Senators should stop the name-calling, insults, and smears that have lately have become too common in the nomination process. Senators who choose to make the confirmation process a forum for attacks will demonstrate that they are the ones who are out of the mainstream.??¢â???¬
Priests for Life National Director Frank Pavone:
"I am thrilled that the President has kept his promise by selecting a nominee who understands the importance of strictly adhering to the Constitution. The President's selection of Judge John G. Roberts, Jr. shows that he has a fundamental understanding of the types of judges that we need on the Supreme Court, judges who understand the difference between applying law and rewriting law. I look forward to working to ensure that Judge John G. Roberts, Jr. is treated fairly and receives a timely up-or-down vote on the floor of the Senate.
"Senate Democrats, especially those seeking reelection 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. The same goes for anyone who thinks that they can unilaterally amend the Constitution by engaging in obstructionist tactics again. If they try that again, their voters will hear about it, they will remember it, and they will hold those Senators accountable for it."
Third Branch Conference Chairman Manuel Miranda:
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"Today the President has named a solid replacement for Sandra Day O'Connor of unimpeachable credentials and temperament.????? In naming John Roberts, the President hit it out of the ball park.????? John Roberts is a lawyer's lawyer????? who will interpret the Constitution and the law????? without regard to personal or religious views-as????? a judge and not a politician.????? ????? Any????? Schumeresque assault on John Roberts will be ill-advised as a political matter."
