Embattled United States President George Bush on Monday nominated a conservative Appeals Court Judge, Samuel Alito, to the Supreme Court in a move expected to heal a rift in his Republican party.
In a joint public appearance at the White House, Bush called Alito — who would replace retiring Justice Sandra Day O’Connor — ”one of the most accomplished and respected judges in America”.
The announcement came after Bush’s previous pick, long-time aide Harriet Miers, withdrew amid charges of cronyism and a revolt within the president’s Republican party from conservatives who doubted her ideological purity.
It also came as the White House sought to fight out from under deep political trouble linked to the case for war in Iraq after Vice-President Dick Cheney’s chief aide was indicted in a CIA leak investigation on Friday.
Alito (55) is an experienced Appeals Court judge who was nominated to that post by Bush’s father, former president George Bush. He received his law degree from Yale University after graduating from Princeton University.
”Judge Alito is one of the most accomplished and respected judges in America. And his long career in public service has given him an extraordinary breadth of experience,” said the president.
”As a Justice Department official, federal prosecutor and judge on the US Court of Appeals, Sam Alito has shown a mastery of the law, a deep commitment of justice, and he is a man of enormous character,” he said.
The Supreme Court wields enormous influence over American life as the final arbiter of the US Constitution and the ultimate court of appeal, and it has ruled on issues such as abortion, the death penalty and civil rights. Justices are named for life but can step down. — AFP
