I believe Bush will nominate Luttig when Rhenquist steps down due to health considerations, probably in early 2006. At that point, it is likely that Scalia will be nominated as Chief Justice and Luttig to the Supreme Court bench. Unable to fight two simultaneous, ideological wars, the democrats will be unable to channel what little obstructionist strength they have left and both will be approved by the Senate, after one of the ugliest, most embarrassing approval processes ever. Take special note of Hillary's role in this process.

If I were advising Bush, Luttig would be my first pick if the president was not committed to picking a woman.

Would be an excellent choice for the court. He would probably be a moderating force in the court that would be critical of attempts by both conservatives and liberals to 'legislate' their opinions through activist opinions. Has the temperment for the job.

In a recent survey by top legal analysts Luttig was at the top of the list for potential nominees to the Supreme Court. If Sandra Day OConner goes first, as is expected, look for a huge fight over this nomination. Luttig is an independent minded strict constructionalist. He has on numerous occasions panned judicial activism both liberal (mainly) but conservative as well.