Senators of Both Parties Call for Supreme Calm

We rarely do politics here, but this just too sweet. Reuters reports that senior senators of both the Republican and Democratic parties urged their fellow lawmakers to "remain calm" and "tone down the rhetoric" surrounding the impending Senate confirmation hearings on President Bush's nominees to replace retiring Associate Justice Sandra Day O'Connor and potentially, ailing and aged Chief Justice William Rehnquist.

"It would be very useful for the country if the rhetoric were to be toned down," said Judiciary committee chairman Arlen Specter (R-Pennsylvania) on NBC's "Meet the Press."

Not to be out-calmed, Vermont Sen. Patrick Leahy, the ranking Democrat on the Judiciary committee echoed, "Let's take it easy. I had a long talk with the President on Friday. He assured me then that he wants to consult as he has before."

Folks, unless President Bush has another Earl Warren or John Marshall up his sleeve, these confirmation hearings will be neither calm, or without lots of rhetoric from both sides.

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