WASHINGTON, October 29 – After Harriet Miers stepped down from her position as Supreme Court nominee Bush was challenged to find a new more suitable nominee to please his conservative base. Many believe that Judge Samuel Alito of the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit is leading the shortlist, perhaps a very short shortlist since Alito arrived in Washington late last night.
President Bush was widely criticized after the failed nomination of Miers, although she stepped back it is believed that she was pressured to do so because not even Bush’s loyal base would support her confirmation due to the lack of qualifications and track record. The nomination of Alito would widely please his supporters, Alito is nicknamed “Scalito” because his philosophy is very similar to that of Justice Antonin Scalia, a conservative favorite. When his clerk was asked why Alito arrived in Washington he friendly smiled and said he would have to take a message for Judge Alito.
Still a few problems remain, Alito would potentially replace Justice Sandra Day O’Connor. O’Connor was often the swing-vote on ethical issues making it a 5-4 win for the left side but with Alito as replacement this would swing the votes entirely the other way. Also there is some pressure on the President to replace a female Justice by a female nominee, even the First Lady urged this. It is to be seen what will come of this but it’s sure Bush could use a win. The news of the indictment of Scooby Lewis, chief of staff of Vice-President Cheney did not fall well and is just another speck in a streak of bad news.
