Supreme Fight to the Finish
Big bucks, bad blood--a court battle like no other
Now, some say, the alliance has turned fragile. Before a meeting of the group this week, Democrats and Republicans are expected to first gather separately, and there is likely to be disagreement over the meaning of "extraordinary circumstances." The White House has been courting moderate Nebraska Democrat Ben Nelson, and a spokesman for Arkansas Democrat Mark Pryor, another member of the group, says a confirmation battle could strain the agreement.
Administration strategists say the president will wait as long as possible to make a nomination to avoid giving Democrats and liberals a target. Whatever happens, Bush enjoys an advantage his father didn't when he chose Thomas for the high court: Republicans control the Senate today and will push a hurry-up schedule for hearings and a vote. That much, at least, seems certain.
POTENTIAL NOMINEES
Candidates thought to be on the president's "short list":
Judge Michael McConnell, 10th Circuit, Salt Lake City
Judge Michael Luttig, Fourth Circuit, Alexandria, Va.
Judge John Roberts, District of Columbia Circuit
Judge Samuel Alito Jr., Third Circuit, Newark, N.J.
Alberto Gonzales, U.S. attorney general
Judge Edith Jones, Fifth Circuit, Houston
Judge Emilio Garza, Fifth Circuit, San Antonio
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