Senate Democratic leader-elect Harry Reid (D-Nev.) apparently could support Scalia for Chief Justice, but considers Thomas an "embarrassment." Liberal groups dutifully expressed outrage, as did pro-Thomas conservatives.
Is Reid serious when he says that he thinks Scalia (unlike Thomas, in his view) is just a "smart guy" who, if nominated, should be confirmed on the merits? Or has Reid figured out that Scalia would probably be an ineffective Chief, as we’ve already discussed here, and for that reason has decided to back him? In either case, Reid’s kind words for Scalia combined with his insistence that Bush should hear Democratic suggestions for judicial appointments is most intriguing. Stay tuned.
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Attorneys General have very limited criminal responsibilities, and even district attorneys (the municipal-level version of the AG, not assistant ags, who tend to do civil litigation), tend not to have to try cases themselves.AGs run for (and often win)governerships all the time. The old joke amongst AGs and AAGs that I know is that AG stands for aspiring governor. Not sure this post makes much sense in that regard.
Justin, are you from around here? Reilly was a county DA before he was state AG, and he’s a criminal guy all the way (although I’m amused to notice that his “official” bio doesn’t even mention his time as DA – maybe he’s aware of the PR problem that prosecutors sometimes face). He’s a real johnny-come-lately to civil matters. Some AGs may fit the mold you describe, but Reilly is not one of them.