Filibuster of Nominee Unlikely, Democrat Says

Senator Harry Reid of Nevada, the Democratic leader, said that he did not foresee a filibuster of President George W. Bush’s nominee to fill the seat on the Supreme Court being vacated by Justice Sandra Day O’Connor. But he warned that Democrats would not hesitate to slow the confirmation if they found the process or the nominee objectionable. "I don’t anticipate a filibuster, but I am not going to shy away from making sure that we have adequate time to explain our position," Reid said Monday as Senate leaders from both parties prepared to meet with Bush on Tuesday to discuss the vacancy. Reid also said Democrats would try to cooperate in complying with the president’s request that the seat be filled by Oct. 1. But he pointed out that O’Connor had agreed to remain on the court until her replacement is confirmed and that only six justices are needed for a quorum.