Who Will The Opponents Be?

There is a lot of speculation about how the kind of support John Roberts will receive from the senate, come vote times, as well as the preceding debate on the confirmation. Nevertheless, any decent analyst should know that the Democrats will not be united in opposition to his confirmation, even if the majority decide to symbolically vote Nay.

First of all, Roberts has already been recognized as a "decent man" who is not a tool of political ideologues, unlike Robert Bork and Clarence Thomas, who have been widely classified as hacks. Secondly, many democrats, especially ones from swing states, have shown no desire to challenge the president on any previous judicial nominees, such as Senator Ben Nelson of Nebraska, probably the most conservative Democrat in the senate. Mark Pryor (D-AR), Blanche Lincoln (D-AR), and Mary Landrieu (D-LA), can be expected to vote with the GOP as well.

The mavericks, such as Joe Lieberman (D-CT), can be anticipated to vote in favor, especially someone like Lieberman, who, despite his relatively liberal voting record, has gained the reputation of being a centrist through conservative rhetoric and conservative stances on highly publicized votes. Bill Nelson of Florida will probably vote Yea as well as California moderate Diane Feinstein.

With those senators added to the 55 Republicans, and a few other suprise democrats, Roberts should get about 65-70 votes in favor of sending him to the court.