WASHINGTON — Today President Bush nominated John Roberts to succeed William H. Rehnquist as chief justice, and called on the Senate to confirm him before the Supreme Court opens its fall term on Oct. 3.

The swift move would promote to the Supreme Court's top job a man who currently is being considered as one of eight associate justices.

``I am honored and humbled by the confidence the president has shown in me,'' Roberts said, standing alongside Bush in the Oval Office.

``He's a man of integrity and fairness and throughout his life he's inspired the respect and loyalty of others,'' Bush said. ``John Roberts built a record of excellence and achievement and reputation for goodwill and decency toward others in his extraordinary career.''

I see this as a predictable move and a safe choice for Bush when I wish he would have made a bold move. Although Roberts' conservative credentials seem solid, I think it would have been better to have him prove his mettle as an associate justice rather than elevating his nomination to chief justice.

Even though Roberts is widely respected in liberal and conservative circles, you can bet the left is going to renew their attacks on him. I expect it will take about three minutes for them to throw out the "experience" card. As long as there is going to be a fight, Bush should have nominated a known quantity -- Antonin Scalia -- then backed him up firmly rather than leaving him to twist in the wind as Bush is sometimes known to do.

Source: Houston Chronicle