Interest groups gear up for Supreme Court fight

[ckramer]

Dozens of interest groups on the right and left are poised to spend millions of dollars and mobilize thousands of activists in an expected fight over a U.S. Supreme Court vacancy that could tip the court's balance on hot-button social issues like abortion.

With the retirement of ailing Chief Justice William Rehnquist widely anticipated, if far from certain, when the court ends its term next week, advocacy groups are planning for all possibilities and researching a long list of President Bush's potential replacement nominees.

Both sides have extensive battle plans that feature the trappings of a modern political campaign, including war rooms, phone banks, e-mail lists, grass-roots volunteers and paid advertising aimed at shaping public opinion and winning the votes of wavering senators who must confirm Bush's choice.

"Other than a decision to declare war, there is nothing more important in the tenure of a president or a senator than a Supreme Court nomination," said Ralph Neas, president of the liberal People for the American Way and a leader in the last successful fight against a Supreme Court nominee, Robert Bork, in 1987.

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[opusprime]

1. Taking the Property Rights decision into account...

and the Medical Marijuana decision 2 weeks ago, I think I'm siding with the Conservative judges more these days than the so called "Liberals".

What a quandry.

[Walt Starr]

2. Used to be, reproductive freedom was all I cared about with nominees

Now, all I care is how they stand on the issue of property rights. Nothing else. If they oppose this stupid ruling, I support them regardless.

[opusprime]

3. Reproductive Freedom is a big issue with me too...

but to me the Constitution is pretty clear about property rights in the 5th ammendment, and the power of the Federal government in the 10th Ammendment and the Commerce Clause.

I just dont get these "Liberal" judges. What is so liberal about them? They seem to support the police state, and unending government control like there is no tomorrow.

I'm with you. I want to know where they stand on property rights, and Federalism.