Ralph Neas

We hope that Senator Reid's colleagues will reach the same conclusion and take the same strong stand.

The nomination of John Roberts has evolved considerably since July, when the White House was successful in portraying him as a lawyer above the fray.... Almost daily revelations coming out of the Reagan presidential library show someone at the epicenter of a comprehensive assault on fundamental rights that have been part of the law for decades,

the importance of who is confirmed to succeed Chief Justice Rehnquist cannot be overstated.

The chief justice has unique power and influence as the nation's highest-ranking judge,

We're talking about state inheritance, we're talking about state property issues, we're talking about children's issues, we're talking about power of attorney.

It would be an invitation for George W. Bush to name someone as extreme as he wants to for the O'Connor vacancy.

We are in turmoil now, domestically and internationally. This is a real test of (Bush's) leadership.

He's not in a position to stand up to the right wing, especially after the last few days, ... In light of the last 48 hours, I believe he's going to go to the latter and satisfy and please the right.

Once again, Pat Robertson leaves us speechless with his insensitivity and arrogance.

We do not believe voters gave President Bush a mandate to turn back the clock decades on so many of our legal protections.

Like Sandra Day O'Connor, Ruth Bader Ginsburg was a consensus nominee. Orrin Hatch told President Clinton that Ginsburg was acceptable before she was nominated. She had a long and detailed record from her time as a federal judge. In her case, there was no need for extended hearings.

He's very valuable to us. As much as I abhor his politics and his abusive, divisive, intolerant rhetoric, many times he reflects what many in the Republican Party are really thinking. ... He's very candid. Most of those on the right wing are not that open and candid.

It appears as though President Bush wants to exploit this national tragedy to implement an ideological agenda. ... What's next, a special Social Security privatization zone

no religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust.

We would be extraordinarily disappointed in any senator who votes for John Roberts or any other nominee who would turn back the clock on fundamental rights and liberties, ... That's the kind of vote that would never be forgotten.

This is a critically important vote, and it will be something that all progressive organizations will remember forever.

We've been ready for several years,

People for the American Way distanced itself yesterday from the actor's rant. Chevy Chase's improvised remarks caught everyone off guard, and were inappropriate and offensive, ... It was not what I would have said, and certainly not the language People for the American Way would ever use in discussing any president of the United States.

It's important to have a strong progressive Democratic vote against John Roberts. If there is a vigorous opposition, that will send a signal on the next vacancy that there could be a contested nomination.

There are a number of distinguished judges first appointed to the federal bench by Republican presidents who would, like Sandra Day O'Connor, likely receive overwhelming bipartisan support to replace her.

I suspect a number of progressive organizations will soon be coming out against the Roberts nomination.

I'm tempted to call my friendly adversaries on the right and ask them whether we can make some joint recommendations to the Senate on document requests of the White House and the line of questioning during the hearings.

His record, his silence, and the power of the position to which he's been nominated, make John Roberts a dangerous bet aa one that senators shouldn't take.

We're going to make sure that Americans understand what is at stake.

We welcome the opportunity to clarify the differences between the right wing ... and the overwhelming majority of the American people.