Conservative Religious Groups Praise 'Originalist' Roberts Nomination
But in 2003 nominee said he was uncomfortable with the label.
by Collin Hansen
07/20/2005 04:30 p.m.

Conservative Christian leaders reacted jubilantly Wednesday to President Bush's nomination of John G. Roberts Jr. to the Supreme Court, despite Roberts's limited and ambiguous record on abortion. They praised the 50-year-old judge from the D.C. Court of Appeals as brilliant, qualified, ethical, and—most importantly—an "originalist" and "strict constructionist."

"The President made it clear he would nominate individuals to the Supreme Court who reflected the judicial philosophy of justices he admired the most. He stated those were [Antonin] Scalia and [Clarence] Thomas," said Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council. "From every indication, that is exactly what he has done. He has nominated a judge who knows the difference between the Court and Congress, between litigating and legislating."

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