Monday, October 25, 2004
The Supreme Shakeup?
One of the most important issues in any presidential race is the likelihood the winner will appoint justices to the US Supreme Court. However, the topic has been largely ignored due to the focus on Iraq and terrorism.
Today, we learn that Chief Justice William Rehnquist has entered the hospital with thyroid cancer. This will increase the discussion of justice appointments as we head into the final week of the campaign.
The winner of this year's election will likely appoint three to five justices during the next four years. Bush has allowed Rumsfeld to politicize the promotion of top military personnel, so there is no reason to believe Bush would treat justice vacancies any differently.
I always thought it was unfortunate that Jimmy Carter, one of our most thoughtful presidents, is the only full-term president not to appoint a justice. I would feel better if George W. Bush joined Carter on that short list.
Today, we learn that Chief Justice William Rehnquist has entered the hospital with thyroid cancer. This will increase the discussion of justice appointments as we head into the final week of the campaign.
The winner of this year's election will likely appoint three to five justices during the next four years. Bush has allowed Rumsfeld to politicize the promotion of top military personnel, so there is no reason to believe Bush would treat justice vacancies any differently.
I always thought it was unfortunate that Jimmy Carter, one of our most thoughtful presidents, is the only full-term president not to appoint a justice. I would feel better if George W. Bush joined Carter on that short list.
