In the past it has been hard if even possible to put a liberal or right leaning
judge on the court. Usually those who do get on the court surprise those who
appoint them. Turing out to be more liberal or to the right than they thought.
I remember Reagan appointed Judge Bork who was a fine judge, but the liberals
felt he was too much to follow the written word instead of a fair interpretation of
the document. Obviously if we were to follow the written word we just as well
have a computer decide if a lower discision was right or wrong according to
what the founders believed when they wrote the constitution. Following to the
letter of the law or constitution leaves no room for the need of a Judge. That might
be a easy way to decide, but hardly fair since nothing is truly black and white.
The controling party works hard to make sure someone who leans the opposing
way doesn't get approved. Generally they have to have a history that follows
the party line. That said there is usually enough senators of the opposing party
to prevent a hard line judge from getting the job.
Time will tell, but I do hope all new judges to the court consider the public good
when making a discision, and not some political belief.
