Senate GOP rallies for Roberts
By Charles Hurt
THE WASHINGTON TIMES
July 21, 2005

Senators warmly welcomed Judge John G. Roberts Jr. on Capitol Hill yesterday, and several key members said his nomination to the Supreme Court should not be blocked under the deal struck in May to end judicial filibusters.
"This man has the right stuff and will do the right thing for America and for us as individuals," said Sen. John W. Warner, Virginia Republican and member of the group of seven Democrats and seven Republicans who crafted the pact to end most of the filibusters against President Bush's judicial nominees.
Sen. John McCain, Arizona Republican and also a member of the so-called Gang of 14, agreed with Mr. Warner that Judge Roberts doesn't meet the "extraordinary circumstances" required to warrant a filibuster.
"Judge Roberts deserves an up-or-down vote," Mr. McCain said. "And I hope that the other members of that group would also agree with me."
A survey yesterday by The Washington Times of all 100 senators found that 44 senators -- all Republicans -- support Judge Roberts' nomination to the high court -- at least for now. Fifteen senators, including nine Democrats, made a point to praise Judge Roberts but stopped short of endorsing his nomination.

The Washington Times