Fair Hearings and an Up or Down Vote.

qqPresident Clintonjjs two appointments to the Supreme Court proved that the Senate can conduct a thorough review and vote on a nominee within a reasonable timetable. Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was confirmed 42 days after the President submitted her nomination, and Justice Stephen Breyer was confirmed 73 days after his nomination was submitted. In both cases, Democrats and Republicans helped move the process forward promptly and voted to confirm the justices, despite significant philosophical differences.qq -- President Bush in his July 23 radio address

As these remarks are being composed, we are mid-swing in what no doubt will be a continuing back and forth assessment of how contentious the fight will be over President Bushjjs nomination of Judge John Roberts to replace Associate Justice Sandra Day OjjConnor.

There is more than a hint in the air today that itjjs going to get real ugly, real soon. I claim no prophetic powers, but it was--and is--bundantly clear to me (as I have repeatedly written) that Robertsjj name will be dragged through the mud long before the confirmation hearings begin sometime after Labor Day.

In the insular world of the Abortion Establishment, a Supreme Court that runs interference for abortion on demand, for any reason or no reason, is a birthright. In that light, what is the nationjjs highest court for if not to do its part to clog discussion, throttle legislative initiatives, and hem in contrary thoughts?

When Justice OjjConnor said she was calling it a day, the NARALs and NOWs of this world felt a very queasy sensation in their stomachs. Along with the National Abortion Federation and the Feminist Majority, they instantly announced their opposition to Roberts.

When nominated in 1981, OjjConnorjjs prospective status as the first woman ever to sit on the Supreme Court largely immunized her from criticism. NRLC, however, knew her background, and promptly opposed her nomination.

But OjjConnorjjs reputation began to soar in the usual circles as she began to qqgrowqq--i.e., when she decided that Roe was the bulwark of womenjjs equality. With the prospect of the appointment of a genuine conservative to the High Court, OjjConnorjjs standing grew to almost mythical proportions, beginning about 12 minutes after she announced her retirement.