WASHINGTON - (KRT) - Although some Supreme Court analysts think that President Bush will turn to a woman or minority to replace Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, the White House also is weighing a different kind of history-making pick: nominating a strong conservative who would change the direction and future of the court.
The Bush administration has researched dozens of possible replacements for O'Connor in state and federal courts across the country. But with most having a downside - some are unknown, some too unpredictable or inflammatory on legal issues - advisers are suggesting the president again focus on a short list of conservative men.
The most historic pick Bush could make to replace O'Connor, they argue, is with a solid conservative - if history is defined by the impact the nominee would have on the court.
That path could lead the White House back to the top contenders to replace Chief Justice William Rehnquist, if and when he retires. They include federal appeals court Judges J. Michael Luttig, John Roberts Jr. or Samuel J. Alito - all highly regarded jurists considered more reliably conservative than the moderate O'Connor, who sided with liberals on most key social issues.
http://www.sunherald.com/mld/sunherald/news/politics/12163970.htm