The Anti-Sam Brownback Blog

In today’s New York Times Senator Brownback laid out his strategy for the upcoming Supreme Court nomination to fill moderate Sandra Day O’Connor’s vacancy:
Mr. Brownback said he would vote against a nominee who was not “solid and known” on cultural issues like abortion, same-sex marriage and religion in public life.

“If the president doesn’t nominate a solid nominee, that is going counter to what he campaigned on,” Mr. Brownback said. And if such a nominee “involves a contentious battle, then let it be.”

In addition, while campaigning for president in Michigan, Brownback said he was expecting a fight from the Democrats:

He added that he thought Roberts would win confirmation easily, but that Bush’s nominee to replace retiring Justice Sandra Day O’Connor will face stiff opposition from Democrats.

“The next one, who could be John Roberts’ twin, I believe will be filibustered,” Brownback said.

This sets up an interesting situation for the President and his supporters. Brownback has decided that running to the right will be his guiding principle in the 2008 Presidential election. Drawing the line on the next judicial nomination will provide positive publicity from the Christian Right as well as name recognition nationwide. In states like Iowa and South Carolina this will go over very well. Many conservative Christians are angry at President Bush’s refusal to push the anti-gay marriage amendment and are justifiably concerned that they are being used for their vote but not consulted on matters of policy.

What is comes down to is that the radical Christians want payment for delivering votes during the last two elections. They can be patient for only so long before they are marginalized. I strongly believe that in 2008 they will unite against a candidate that panders directly to them on all issues. Senator Sam Brownback is a strong contender for that position.