Rallying to Confirm (Insert Name Here)

The Hill reports on a "sophisticated, multipronged plan" to support whomever George Bush nominates to the Supreme Court, after the expected resignation of ailing Chief Justice William Rehnquist. The plan includes "pre-emptive" press releases, "to deflect liberal efforts to define the nominee," and public statements and floor speeches by Senate Republicans. Conservative groups are also involved; the Coalition for a Fair Judiciary "would handle grassroots work," and the Federalist Society "would provide substantive arguments for use in Senate and media debates." The "business community" is expected "to fund the communications campaign." On the other side, "People for the American Way and the Alliance for Justice are preparing a multimillion-dollar effort to publicize the [nominee's] record."