The nomination for Supreme Court justice finally shed light yesterday as Judge John G. Roberts was chosen among the five contenders as President Bush’s justice of choice. The choice has lauded praise from both parties and from Christians conservatives.
After weeks of waiting for nominee decision and threats of filibuster from Senate, judge John G. Roberts, 50, came through the midst of the candidates as the expected successor to Justice Sandra Day O’Connor. Roberts was a graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Law School, and had worked as a clerk for Justice William H. Renquist. He served on the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit in 2003 and since argued 39 cases before the Supreme Court.
Evangelical Christians has praised President Bush’s decision and for the nominee. "He is exceptionally well qualified, knows the role of judge and has a judicial temperament that is respected by all who deal with him," said Jay Sekulow, Chief Counsel of the Christian legal group, the American Center for Law & Justice.
Roberts has impeccably conservative credentials, especially on the issue of abortion. As a deputy solicitor general for President George H.W. Bush, Roberts wrote on behalf of the administration, "We continue to believe that Roe was wrongly decided and should be overruled."
President Bush had urged for a quick confirmation from the Senate. Until now, no Senator had stepped forward to oppose Judge Roberts outright. Many expect the decision to be swift through the House of Senate.
Beginning today, Judge Roberts embarked on his journey to meet with the Senators who will make the decision of his appointment. Toward the meeting, President Bush expressed confidence in the judge, “I’m confident the senators will come to realize what I’ve come to realize; we are lucky to have a man of such wisdom and intellectual strength willing to serve our country.” Yet to the Democrats, his spared records and opinions raises questions on his stance on vital issues.
Christian conservatives are praying that his confirmation will quickly take place. Rev. Rob Schenk of the National Clergy Council, an interdenominational ministry with the mission of bringing a Christian perspective to public policy, said prayers for Roberts and the President were on the minds of the faithful.
"The nomination of Judge John G. Roberts is an answer to the prayers of millions of Americans. The President has demonstrated extraordinary moral courage and deserves the full cooperation of the Senate in bringing about a swift confirmation." said the Reverend.
