A SPECTER IS HAUNTING...: From the Associated Press

[Potentially relevant to court-watchers on more than one issue. Specter replied to criticism for his remarks here. For all your Spectral needs, try The Corner--lots of phone numbers and whatnot are there, so even those who radically disagree with National Review's position may find it a useful resource for figuring out what's being discussed and perhaps whom to call. If people have a similarly comprehensive pro-Specter roundup link I'll post that too. --Eve]

The Republican expected to chair the Senate Judiciary Committee next year bluntly warned newly re-elected President Bush on Wednesday against putting forth Supreme Court nominees who would seek to overturn abortion rights or are otherwise too conservative to win confirmation.

Sen. Arlen Specter, fresh from winning a fifth term in Pennsylvania, also said the current Supreme Court now lacks legal "giants" on the bench.

"When you talk about judges who would change the right of a woman to choose, overturn Roe v. Wade, I think that is unlikely," Specter said, referring to the landmark 1973 Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion.

"The president is well aware of what happened, when a bunch of his nominees were sent up, with the filibuster," Specter added, referring to Senate Democrats' success over the past four years in blocking the confirmation of many of Bush's conservative judicial picks. "... And I would expect the president to be mindful of the considerations which I am mentioning."

With at least three Supreme Court justices rumored to be eyeing retirement, including ailing Chief Justice William Rehnquist, Specter, 74, would have broad authority to reshape the nation's highest court. He would have wide latitude to schedule hearings, call for votes and make the process as easy or as hard as he wants.

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posted by Eve at 7:01 PM | link

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