ATR Hails Senate Confirmation of John G. Roberts as Supreme Court Chief Justice

Nomination overcomes Democrat obstruction, 78-22

WASHINGTON – The United States Senate today approved the nomination of John. G. Roberts as the next Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court by a vote of 78-22. Roberts will replace Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist, who died earlier this month.

While a number of Democrats voted for the nomination and noted Roberts’s strong qualifications, several prominent liberal senators including Edward Kennedy (D-MA), Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) vocally opposed the nomination, again demonstrating that the ultra-left wing of the Democratic party will oppose anyone President Bush nominates to the bench.

“The Senate today fulfilled its constitutional advice and consent duties by confirming Judge Roberts, rather than obstructing his nomination to satisfy the Democrats’ ultra-liberal constituency,” said taxpayer advocate Grover Norquist, president of Americans for Tax Reform. “I sincerely hope the Senate will proceed on the next nomination in a similar fashion.”

President Bush is expected to submit another Supreme Court nomination to the Senate in the near future to replace Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, who has announced her intention to retire.