Johnny Isakson: “I rise on the advice and consent question of Judge John Roberts. Before I address my judgment on that, I would like to…”

“I rise on the advice and consent question of Judge John Roberts. Before I address my judgment on that, I would like to pay tribute for a second to Sandra Day O'Connor and the late William Rehnquist. Sandra Day O'Connor's announced retirement caused the nomination by the President of John Roberts, and subsequently the untimely passing of Chief Justice Rehnquist afforded the opportunity for that nomination to be for Chief Justice as well. In the anticipated furor of this debate and confirmation, the credit never was given that should have been to Justice O'Connor or Justice Rehnquist. Sandra Day O'Connor was the first woman appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court. She served with honor and distinction. She wrote brilliantly, concisely, and succinctly, and, most importantly of all, she had an insight and wisdom second to none. In fact, I commend to everyone her final writing, her dissenting opinion on the eminent domain case, if you want to see a Justice who was well grounded and interested in the American people. Judge Rehnquist was the 16th Justice of the United States, an outstanding individual of immense capacity, dedication, and commitment to the United States of America. His loss is a tragedy, and the retirement of Justice O'Connor is a loss to the Court. But now we are confronted with our constitutional responsibility as Members of the Senate to address the question of John Roberts, the nominee of President Bush.…”