Justice Roberts?

Picture from the (short) trip to D.C.; here's where I'm hoping to see Senator Feingold living in four years.

I've been slow to mention this... a little busy lately, plus, as a lifelong Trekkie, mourning James Doohan. But, President Bush has nominated Judge John G. Roberts to the Supreme Court. I'm of mixed opinions on his nomination and what kind of a justice he would be, but I thought you'd all be interested in what Senator Feingold has to say:

Evaluating the nomination of Judge John Roberts Jr. is a responsibility I take very seriously and one that I look forward to as a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee. Supreme Court justices can have a uniquely significant impact on our country for years, even decades. While I voted in favor of Judge Roberts to be a Circuit Court judge in 2003, the level of scrutiny that the Senate gives nominees to the highest court in the land must be even greater than that for any other appointed position in our government. I will review his record carefully and look forward to questioning him in the Judiciary Committee's hearings.

Now, when it comes to reviewing his record, Senator Feingold outlined a plan yesterday for making his decision:

"Evaluating this nomination is a responsibility I take very seriously and one that I look forward to as a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee," Feingold said. "This is the first vacancy on the Court in the past 11 years, and this nomination is likely to have a significant impact on our country for decades to come."

and

• Feingold will review the nominee's qualifications, including analyzing the nominee's opinions and reading commentary about and analysis of the nominee's record.

• Feingold plans to meet personally with Judge Roberts prior to the Judiciary Committee hearings.

• During the month of August and beyond, at Listening Sessions throughout Wisconsin, people are invited to share their thoughts on this nomination. (The latest Listening Session schedule is available at http://www.feingold.senate.gov and, as always, these sessions are open to anyone from Wisconsin, not just those who reside in the county where they are held.)

• Wisconsinites can also make their views known at http://www.feingold.senate.gov under the "Ideas Forum" bar on the left-hand side of the page.

• Feingold welcomes analysis and advice from lawyers and law professors in Wisconsin. Memos on legal issues, suggested lines of questioning, and other materials should be submitted to http://www.feingold.senate.gov under the "Ideas Forum" bar on the left-hand side of the page with the words "Legal Memo" in the first line of the message.

As I've said before, this is a good chance for him to raise his profile, and we can help. Watch for quotes over the next few months which should show Senator Feingold to be the reasonable, balanced man that he is, without sacrificing principle. And then share them with friends, family, and potential supporters.