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Roberts to be confirmed as U.S. Chief Justice
(AP)
Updated: 2005-09-29 19:54

Democrats, even as they complained about his Reagan-era opinions and the White House's refusal to release his paperwork from the George H.W. Bush administration, acknowledged his brilliance and judicial demeanor.

"It is hard to see Judge Roberts as a judicial activist who would place ideological purity or a particular agenda above or ahead the need for thoughtful legal reasoning," said Sen. Ron Wyden (news, bio, voting record), D-Ore., one of the Democrats supporting Roberts.

Added independent Sen. Jim Jeffords of Vermont, who often allies himself with the Democrats: "It is clear Judge Roberts has the necessary legal experience and character to be the chief justice."

Roberts has the potential of leading the Supreme Court for decades. Not since John Marshall, confirmed in 1801 at 45, has there been a younger chief justice. Oliver Ellsworth was 50 — about six weeks from turning 51; and John Jay, the first chief justice, was 44. He served from 1789-1795.

Roberts also will hold a record of sorts — nominated to succeed two different Supreme Court justices within seven weeks. Bush originally named him to succeed retiring Justice Sandra Day O'Connor in July. Rehnquist's death led to the second nomination on Sept. 6, and Roberts now will be confirmed as chief justice while O'Connor remains on the court until the president selects a new replacement.

Democrats already were warning the White House not to nominate a conservative ideologue to replace O'Connor. Bush was expected to announce the nominee soon.

"While this nomination did not warrant an attempt to block the nominee on the floor of the Senate, the next one might," Sen. Charles Schumer (news, bio, voting record), D-N.Y., said.
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