The rumors are flying that President Bush could nominate an arch-conservative to the Supreme Court as early as tomorrow. And the name at the top of the list appears to be federal appeals Judge Samuel A. Alito Jr., whose nickname is "Scalito" due to his ideological similarity to arch-conservative Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia.As Josh pointed out a few days ago:
With Chief Justice Roberts in place, and with a theologically chosen Justice replacing the swing-voting Sandra Day O?Connor, we could see the overthrow of federal protections for womens' reproductive rights in the next year. Those same radicals upon whom Mr. Bush depends for his continued support will not be satisfied with the overthrow of Roe, but hope for the end of the Griswold decision that made birth control available to Americans. Regardless, it is a near certainty that Roe will be overturned within the next few years.
This has direct relevance to the choice for Virginia governor in just 9 days. Once Roe v. Wade is overturned, the issue of reproductive rights goes back to the states. In Virginia, the state legislature is dominated by a group of extreme, social conservatives like Bob Marshall and Dick Black. That means that the next governor of Virginia -- Tim Kaine or Jerry Kilgore -- is very likely to determine whether this state's women keep control of their own bodies.
The question, then, is this: who do you trust more to keep abortion "safe, legal and rare?" Jerry Kilgore, who flat out refused to say whether he would sign a bill banning abortion? Or Tim Kaine, who has stated clearly that he will NEVER criminalize the decisions made by women and their doctors regarding such a personal matter of life and health? This choice is clear.
Again, let's quote Josh on this subject:
If you do not believe in making criminals out of women and their doctors, then you absolutely must bring every voting member of your community to the polls on November 8 to support Tim Kaine and ensure that he is the next Governor of Virginia.
Just remember, on November 8th, 2+1+1=0. That's TWO new Supreme Court justices. ONE anti-choice Republican running for Governor. And ONE close ally of Jerry Kilgore by the name of Pat Robertson. Does this look like an equation that will leave you in control of your own body? No, we didn't think so. In other words, this election matters. Big time! So, on November 8, make sure you choose...or you'll most certainly lose.
[UPDATE: Scalito it is! There goes Roe v. Wade and womens' right to choose, right down the drain.]