Roberts confirmed as chief justice
Bush poised to name O'Connor replacement
Thursday, September 29, 2005;
Posted: 12:09 p.m. EDT (16:09 GMT)

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Judge John Roberts was easily confirmed Thursday to be the 17th chief justice of the United States, winning Senate approval with a solid majority.
He is expected to be sworn in to the post later in the day.

The 78-22 vote ended a nearly three-month roller coaster ride for the 50-year-old federal appeals judge.

He was originally nominated to fill the vacancy created by the pending retirement of Justice Sandra Day O'Connor. But following the death of Chief Justice William Rehnquist September 3, Roberts was quickly named by President Bush to take over the court's top spot.

All 55 Republicans were united in their support. They were joined by 22 Democrats and one independent senator. Twenty-two Democrats voted no.

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