Dems Push Delay Tactics To Max

From the outset, the only viable strategy the Dems had for dealing Bush's ace nomination of John Roberts was to attempt to delay it into October. If confirmation isn't achieved before October, O'Connor serves one more term and the Dems push the confirmation into the 2006 off-year elections.

Now with the death of Chief Justice Rehnquist, the delay option has become all the more pivotal to the Dems. Successful delay would mean another term with O'Connor ,and now without Rehnquist as well, which will give the libs an opportunity to secure some big court wins on pivotal social issues going before the court goes conservative.

How strongly are the Dems counting on delay? Here's Harry Reid:

"Out of respect for the memory of Chief Justice Rehnquist and in fairness to those whose lives continue to be devastated by Katrina, the Senate should not commence a Supreme Court confirmation hearing this Tuesday. A brief postponement will not disadvantage anyone."

Yeah, right. I'm sure the survivors of Katrina really care about the hearings at this point in their lives. And respect for Rhenquist? Please! The way to respect him is to hold hearings Tuesday, have a respectful funeral on Wednesday, and resume the hearings on Wednesday.