Potential Power Play

It's too early to make any wild predictions on how this Supreme Court pick will turn out.

Clearly, Bush's pick angered many conservatives. But remember, some conservatives also opposed Roberts in the beginning (but that sentiment seems to have vanished.)

... But never mind the philosophical questions. Consider this strategic scenario:

What would happen if a U.S. Senator were to stand up to the White House and vocally oppose this pick?

He'd instantly have the bloggers, activists, and pundits on his side. He would be displaying that elusive quality few Senators get to display: "leadership." He would instantly have conservative credibility for the primaries. He would gain a lot of attention and earned media. And he would raise a tremendous amount of money on the internet -- and through mail -- from national conservatives.

... Not that I'm advocating this tack. Political considerations should not be the primary concern -- especially on a vote of this long-term magnitude. But, it would be an interesting power-play for an ambitious Republican Presidential hopeful.