John CornynÂ’s speculation on the new nominee is probably dead on target.

President Bush's nomination of John Roberts for U.S. chief justice opens the door to a likely appointment of a Hispanic or a woman to the post now occupied by outgoing Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, Texas Sen. John Cornyn said.

Cornyn is a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, which will conduct confirmation hearings on Roberts and Bush's eventual nominee to replace O'Connor. Roberts was initially nominated for O'Connor's post, but Bush said Monday that he wants the conservative appeals court judge to replace Chief Justice William Rehnquist, who died Saturday.

As Bush begins a new search for an O'Connor replacement, Cornyn said, "it's highly likely" the president will appoint a woman or Hispanic, "or potentially even an Hispanic woman." Asked whether Bush is less likely to name an Anglo man to that position, Cornyn said, "that would be my guess."

Cornyn, a Republican, declined to suggest specific nominees. At least three Texas Hispanics -- U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, and Emilio Garza and Edward Prado, both members of the 5th U.S. Circuit appeals court -- have been prominently mentioned as possible nominees. Texan Edith Hollan Jones, another 5th Circuit judge, is also a potential contender.

Cornyn, a former Texas Supreme Court justice, was mentioned as a potential candidate in the first-round search but said he has no indication that he is a prospect now.

Does anyone know about Prado?

Also, hereÂ’s hoping that Cornyn is selected to replace John Paul Stevens if the justice dies or retires (he is older than the recently deceased Chief Justice).

Posted by: Greg at 01:18 PM | Comments (1) | Add Comment
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