ACLJ: Judiciary Committee Vote for John Roberts Shows Conservative Judicial Philosophy Represents ''Mainstream'' America; Stage Set for President's Next Nominee to Supreme Court.

WASHINGTON -- The American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ), specializing in constitutional law, today applauded the Senate Judiciary Committee for voting to recommend confirmation to the full Senate for John Roberts as Chief Justice and says the vote clearly shows that a conservative judicial philosophy represents "mainstream" America.

"The vote by the Judiciary Committee reflects the fact that John Roberts is an exceptional nominee with a conservative judicial philosophy - a philosophy that represents mainstream America," said Jay Sekulow, Chief Counsel of the ACLJ, who supports the nomination. "It's encouraging that several Democrats recognized his talents and capabilities by voting for his confirmation. At the same time, though, it's unfortunate that others chose to politicize a confirmation process by trying to turn it into some sort of election. It's now up to the full Senate to move swiftly to confirm John Roberts so he can assume his duties and responsibilities as Chief Justice when the Supreme Court begins its new term in a matter of weeks. We call on the Senate to confirm John Roberts without delay.

"The focus will soon shift to President Bush's next appointee to the high court. We have no doubt that President Bush will select a nominee who embraces his judicial philosophy of interpreting the Constitution - not legislating from the bench. The political dynamics suggest that the confirmation process for the next nominee will be much more contentious. We hope that isn't the case, but are certainly prepared to move quickly and aggressively to ensure that the next nominee gets a fair hearing and a prompt vote in the Senate."

The American Center for Law and Justice is based in Washington, D.C. and is online at www.aclj.org.