O'Connor is leaving. She is a US Supreme Court justice. My wife is upset, she thinks it's an opportunity for George to put a stooge in her place. Things are moving fast.....

"The nation deserves and I will select a Supreme Court justice that Americans can be proud of.

"The nation also deserves a dignified process of confirmation in the United States Senate, characterized by fair treatment, a fair hearing and a fair vote."

So there it is, it would appear George is trying to head off a "liberal" blockade. One would assume he is referring to the debacle that was the confirmation process of judges for the lower courts.

But wait!! What's this!?!?

Within hours after Justice Sandra Day O'Connor's announced retirement from the Supreme Court, members of conservative groups around the country convened in five national conference calls in which, participants said, they shared one big concern: heading off any effort by President Bush to nominate his attorney general, Alberto R. Gonzales to replace her.

Holy shit!!! Conservatives are concerned about who he might pick!!!!! Maybe George is in the middle of a lame and way too late attempt at being statesmanlike. Maybe he's just trying to do the future Republican candidate a favor and distance himself from the conservative extremists.

It will prove to be interesting, if nothing else......