July 20, 2005 08:00 AM UTC

Colorado Supreme Court Reaction Roundup

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• by: Colorado Pols

The Colorado press got reactions from most of the major Colorado players last night on the nomination of John G. Roberts to the Supreme Court, and here are a few notables.

Ken Salazar, courtesy the Pueblo Chieftain:

“In the coming weeks the Senate Judiciary Committee will complete a full, fair and proper review of Judge Roberts’ record. Based on the committee’s work, and my own careful study, I will perform my constitutional duty.”

Wayne Allard:

“I just think he’s a spectacular candidate for the Supreme Court,” Allard said. “I like his approach, and his decisions have reflected that he just wants to interpret the law and not create new laws or add his own personal opinion.”

Rep. Diana DeGette, courtesy the Daily Camera:

“I look forward to learning more about Judge Roberts’ positions and opinions in the coming weeks. It is clear, however, that the public expects, and this country needs, a nominee who respects Supreme Court precedent, including the recognition that the Constitution guarantees a right to privacy.”

Colorado Republican Party Chairman Bob Martinez:

“Roberts is a distinct example of a jurist who will interpret the letter of the law, not legislate from the nation’s highest bench.”

Interestingly, outgoing NARAL Colorado Executive Director Beth Ganz “deferred comment,” probably indicating that her staff spent all day getting ready to talk about Edith Clement.

The crew at avowedly-liberal ProgressNow.org, by comparison, had a press release out moments after the President concluded his speech. It’s not well-known that their Board of Directors includes many prominent Colorado insiders like Gail Schoettler, Al Yates, and Jared Polis. If Mike Huttner’s press release is any indication, these folks are very much displeased by Bush’s choice.

“As a replacement to moderate Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, this nominee seems more in the mold of extreme right Justices Scalia or Thomas,” said ProgressNow.org Executive Director, Michael Huttner, also an adjunct professor at the University of Denver College of Law.

The early word (and there’s months of “early word” ahead, of course) is that despite a number of objections that liberals and moderates could justifiably raise about Judge Roberts, his confirmation will likely not result in a huge battle: as long as Salazar’s “Gang of 14” holds together.