July 20, 2005: Headlines: Directors - Gearan: University Administration: Finger Lakes Times: Mark Gearan weighs in on Bush's pick for high court
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July 20, 2005: Headlines: Directors - Gearan: University Administration: Finger Lakes Times: Mark Gearan weighs in on Bush's pick for high court
Mark Gearan discusses Bush's pick for Supreme Court
“President Ford served just three years, but his appointment to the court is still there today,” remarked Hobart and William Smith Colleges President Mark Gearan, referring to Justice John Paul Stevens’ appointment in 1975. Mark Gearan, President of Hobart and William Smith Colleges, was the 14th Director of the Peace Corps and served as President Bill Clinton’s director of communications during Justice Steven Breyer’s selection process.
Mark Gearan discusses Bush's pick for Supreme Court
Locals weigh in on Bush's pick for high court
By SUJATA GUPTA
Finger Lakes Times
sgupta@fltimes.com
Caption: US President George W. Bush(R) expressed satisfaction with the initial reception given by Congress to his Supreme Court nominee, John Roberts. The two men are pictured here on July 20.(AFP/File/Mandel Ngan)
[Excerpt]
In the last 150 years, Supreme Court justices have abolished slavery, mandated that schools be integrated, and granted women the right to choose to have an abortion.
Now, with President Bush’s nomination of 50-year-old John G. Roberts — described by many as a moderate conservative — to succeed Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, few can ignore the far-reaching implications of his decision.
“President Ford served just three years, but his appointment to the court is still there today,” remarked Hobart and William Smith Colleges President Mark Gearan, referring to Justice John Paul Stevens’ appointment in 1975. Gearan served as President Bill Clinton’s director of communications during Justice Steven Breyer’s selection process.
Roberts, like Gearan, is a graduate of Harvard University. Gearan was class of 1978; Roberts was class of 1976.
Because justices are appointed for life, Roberts’ vote has the potential to reshape policies on reproductive rights, religious liberties and environmental protection.
Gearan added that Bush’s choice may weigh more heavily [than] previous appointments because of O’Connor’s unique role in the Supreme Court. “I think in many ways a lot of scholars feel that this is an O’Connor court because she has [often] been the deciding vote,” Gearan said. “This replacement is critical. In some ways this is even more significant than the appointments President Clinton had.”
Caption: Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, right, whispers across to Circuit Judge Johnnie Rawinson as they get ready to begin a discussion at the annual 9th Circuit convention in Spokane, Wash., Thursday, July 21, 2005. O'Connor today said she was saddened by attacks on an independent federal judiciary and on deteriorating relations with Congress. Her comments came as Congress prepared for a confirmation fight over federal appeals court judge John G. Roberts, who was chosen by President Bush to replace her. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
For example, groups dealing with reproductive health are concerned that Roberts’ appointment could spell the end of abortion.
Many area leaders thought Bush would select a woman to replace O’Connor, the first female Supreme Court justice.
“From the polling I’ve seen ... I think most Americans ... would like a woman on the court,” Gearan said Tuesday afternoon.
Comparing Bush’s decision to Clinton’s appointment of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg in 1993, Gearan said Supreme Court nominees often indicate a president’s desire to create a diverse governing body. Ginsburg’s appointment “was reflective of how he wanted to staff his administration,” said Gearan, who communicated information to the public concerning Breyer’s background more than a decade ago.
With eight of the nine justices over age 65 and 80-year-old Chief Justice William Rehnquist battling thyroid cancer, many suspect Bush is likely to have another chance to select a Supreme Court justice before the end of his second term.
That’s when he may “try to make a historic fight,” Gearan said.
Bush’s current fight, however, may have just begun. The president must now garner Senate approval for his appointment — a vote which Gearan said may not pass easily because of recent splits within the Republican Party.
Caption: US Supreme Court Building. US President George W. Bush nominated a 50-year-old conservative judge to the US Supreme Court, a move that could shape the outcome of battles over volatile issues like abortion for decades.(AFP/File/Manny Ceneta)
“The debate over the other judges and the filibuster have really put a significant backdrop into this appointment,” he said, adding that presidents conduct a lengthy review process before nominating a candidate for the bench.
The decision rests both on the president and the 15 or so people comprising his legal counsel, Gearan explained, adding “Every president consults broadly in his legal process.”
Gearan added that Bush and presidents before him usually have their legal advisers evaluate candidates on a regular basis.
It’s an extensive process, [and] any White House does not want to be surprised by anything,” he said.
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Story Source: Finger Lakes Times
This story has been posted in the following forums: : Headlines; Directors - Gearan; University Administration; Congress; Politics; Jurisprudence
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