By Mark Scott and Terry Gildea
Washington, DC – President Bush's choice to become the newest justice on the US Supreme Court is a Buffalo native. John Roberts is currently an Appeals Court judge in the DC circuit.
Roberts was born 50 years ago in Buffalo, the son of a Bethlehem Steel executive. He attended St. Bernadette's Catholic School in Hamburg until the second grade, when his father was transferred to Indiana.
Dr. Mark Hurwitz, an assistant political science professor at the University at Buffalo, says Roberts has an engaging personality. He says that might help win over skeptical Democrats during his upcoming Senate confirmation hearing.
"Unless there's some real problem that hasn't come up yet, it will be very difficult for Senate Democrats to wage a serious battle," Hurwitz said. "His intellect and achievement are all strong suits in favor of his confirmation."
But Hurwitz adds the confirmation process is much more intense for a seat on the US Supreme Court. Even though Roberts was easily confirmed to the Appeals court two years ago, Hurwitz says that doesn't mean he'll sail through this time. One of the key issues, he says, will be Roberts stand on abortion rights.
"He has written in legal briefs that Roe vs. Wade should be overturned," Hurwitz said.
The last time someone from Western New York served on the high court was in the 1940s and 50s when Robert Jackson of Jamestown was an associate justice.
US Senator Charles Schumer is promising a thorough confirmation process. Click the "listen" icon above to hear a report from WBFO's Capitol News Connection.