The Top Supreme Court Contenders By Jayson

06 Jul, 2005 by John Hawkins

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Here is a quick tale of the tape, so to speak, regarding some of the leading contenders to be nominated to replace Justice O’Connor on the U.S. Supreme Court (in no particular order):

1) Emilio Garza

Age: 58.
Experience: Circuit Judge, U.S. Court of Appeals, 5th Circuit.
Philosophy: Conservativism/constructionism.
Misc.: In light of the explosive growth rates of the Sun Belt States, along with continuing prosperity among Hispanics, the political advantages to this nomination are obvious.
Overall JJ rating: A.

2) Janice Rogers Brown

Age: 56.
Experience: Associate Justice, Supreme Court of California.
Philosophy: Conservativism/constructionism.
Misc.: A conservative female African-American who just was confirmed to the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals. Political advantages are self-explanatory.
Overall JJ rating: A+.

3) Priscilla Owen

Age: 51.
Experience: Associate Justice, Supreme Court of Texas.
Philosophy: Conservativism/constructionism.
Misc.: Arguably the most conservative jurist being considered. And she just was confirmed to the U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals.
Overall JJ rating: A+.

4) Michael Luttig

Age: 51.
Experience: Circuit Judge, U.S. Court of Appeals, 4th Circuit.
Philosophy: Conservativism/constructionism.
Misc.: Arguably the intellectual master of Scalia.
Overall JJ rating: A.

5) Sam Alito, Jr.

Age: 55.
Experience: Circuit Judge, U.S. Court of Appeals, 3rd Circuit.
Philosophy: Conservativism/constructionism.
Misc.: A Scalia disciple.
Overall JJ rating: A-/B+.

6) Edith Jones

Age: 56.
Experience: Circuit Judge, U.S. Court of Appeals, 5th Circuit.
Philosophy: Conservativism/constructionism.
Misc.: Hard-core conservative.
Overall JJ rating: A+.

7) John Roberts

Age: 50.
Experience: Circuit Judge, U.S. Court of Appeals, D.C. Circuit.
Philosophy: Conservativism/constructionism.
Misc.: Doesn’t really stand out in a political sense. But a true legal heavyweight.
Overall JJ rating: A-/B+.

8) Alberto Gonzales

Age: Souter.
Experience: Souter.
Philosophy: Souter.
Misc.: Souter.
Overall JJ rating: D- (but only because he’d be replacing the precursor to Souter, as opposed to a solid conservative vote).

This content was used with the permission of Polipundit.