Specter, Roberts Ahead of Senate Hearings

Sen. Arlen Specter, R-Pa., met with U.S. Supreme Court nominee John Roberts and came away speaking of the judge’s confidence and tone of humility.

As chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Specter will oversee the first congressional hearings considering Roberts’ nomination to be the next chief justice of the Supreme Court.

The Washington Post reported that Specter and Roberts talked Tuesday with the senator bringing up some issues the nominee may face, included the fact that a 50-year-old would have to be the boss of strong-minded people who are much older.

Specter said Roberts said such talks would be a dialogue among equals.

Saying such a stance shows a needed tone of humility, Specter told the Post, I’m intrigued by his concept of a dialogue among equals. I think for Judge Roberts to approach the court that way shows a lot of confidence.

Roberts also said consensus building would be a priority, Specter told the Post.

Senate hearings on Roberts’ confirmation are scheduled Monday, with a Bush administration goal of having the nominee join the high court by the time its new session convenes Oct. 3.